Warm Snow (2022)

Played the demo. This game is basically a similar format to Hades, an action roguelite where you're selecting different types of boons (basically) and upgrades you want via branching exits and occasional shops. And like that you can create a build that emphasizes different parts of your arsenal or different elements for example. It may not have Hades's great story framing and writing, art style, or overall polish, but it has some nice-feeling, flashy combat for sure and some interesting upgrades. They don't explain much, so you do have to just kinda pick things randomly until you learn what they all are. I think the main problem that makes me not want to play the full game is that the early game levels (including basic enemies, bosses, environments, overall level design, lacking story context) feel pretty dull and nondescript, and it seems you have to really grind out runs to unlock the permanent upgrades. I really don't want to do that stuff over and over. I assume it gets more exciting later on, but I don't know. Still a decent game, nice potential and could appeal to someone looking for a more under-the-radar action roguelite, who may not be bothered by the flaws I mentioned.