Rogue Waters, a creation from Tripwire Presents and Ice Code Games, delivers a mature-rated, turn-based tactical roguelite RPG experience, diving deep into a pirate’s life with a supernatural twist. In this review, we’ll explore what makes Rogue Waters an intriguing adventure.
Assume the role of Captain Cutter, a pirate embroiled in a fierce battle for power and vengeance. Your journey begins at the Temple of the Goddess, where you discover Captain Blackbone finally finding the treasure he’s been desperately hunting. Following his orders to seize it leads to an unexpected twist: a mysterious voice starts speaking in your head, and you lose an eye to a strange, glowing crystal! Not too happy about this turn of events, Captain Blackbone demands a knife to remove the stone from your skull. But of course, you’re not going to simply let that happen. Your escape is just the beginning as you find yourself assembling your own crew to seek revenge against the treacherous Captain Blackbone. Oh, and after a fourteen-year absence, the world you return to is no longer the same!
Embark on your journey through four difficulty settings: Story, Normal, Hard, and Heroic I. Choose Story mode if you’re interested in a narrative-driven adventure with less aggressive foes. Normal mode offers a balanced challenge, providing a 10% bonus to your XP, Blueprints, and Glass. Those seeking a more demanding experience can opt for Hard, earning a 20% bonus, while Heroic I ups the ante even more with a 30% increase in rewards.
As you progress in Rogue Waters, engaging in numerous skirmishes becomes the norm. Battles pit your pirate gang against challengers who dare oppose you. Each round allows your team and the opposing pirates a single turn, and your task is straightforward: defeat them all. Units get one movement per round and can execute at least one attack, typically ending their turn. Standard attacks provide consistent damage, with the chance to push enemies into disadvantageous positions, dealing additional damage if executed well.
Before each skirmish, you’re allowed to deploy up to four units. Select your fighters and place them strategically, then press the Triangle button to start the battle. You’ll control a cursor with the left analog stick to command units and can use the right stick to adjust the camera. Units usually move two cells, with movement adjustability influenced by various gameplay buffs and debuffs.
Units can utilize the Prepare ability to brace against incoming attacks, healing slightly, removing bleeding, and gaining temporary armor. Strategic map usage can be advantageous, such as employing ropes for longer movements across the battlefield. Victorious outcomes can be achieved either by defeating all enemies or through the fear mechanic, where bonus damage builds a gauge, eventually causing enemies to flee when full.
Rewards for your triumphs drop you back to the Region Map, allowing you to decide your next target location in a roguelite fashion. Opportunities abound, from looting enemy ships, shopping at ports with earned gold, tackling event nodes with unforeseen challenges, or launching daring raids.
Boarding enemy ships leads to thrilling sea battles, requiring closeness to rivals and thoughtful usage of Command Points (CP). Fire your cannons judiciously; each has distinct ranges and damage capabilities. Monitor enemy intentions, and remember, larger ships equip higher CP, presenting greater danger but also richer loot. During Raids, unleash your crew and command mythical sea creatures like the Kraken, using its tentacles to dominate the battlefield.
The Pirate’s Cove serves as your base, where you upgrade and improve various aspects of your adventure. Check out the shipyard to assign necessary cannons and modules, the latter giving advantages like increased health for Captain Cutter or your crewmates. Go to the quarters to manage your crew members, leveling them up using XP.
The game offers a comprehensive list of trophies, including a coveted Platinum trophy. You’ll need to successfully complete multiple acts, reach max levels for several character classes, buy upgrades, and more to achieve this feat.
Rogue Waters, with its supernatural-tinged pirate narrative and strategic gameplay, is now available on PlayStation 5, priced at $29.99. Whether crafting your own pirate saga or unleashing mythical beasts, it’s bound to provide an adventurous ride worth your time.
This review of Rogue Waters is based on a PlayStation 5 copy generously provided by Tripwire Presents.
