I’ve long thought the Nuzlocke idea could be reimagined as a standalone creature-collector, and the recently released Aethermancer does just that — blending permadeath mechanics with roguelike progression.
As the game’s early access Steam description explains: “If a monster dies in combat, you’ll lose it. Permanently. But you have the power to defy death by rebirthing their souls. Don’t lose hope! Your monsters might change in the process, but will still be the same companions you once established a soul bond with and will grow stronger from their previous lives.”
At present, Aethermancer includes three distinct biomes, 28 discoverable monsters, and a deep skill system that encourages inventive 3v3 builds. The developers estimate the game will remain in early access for “approximately 1 year.”
One of Aethermancer’s roughly 500 “Very Positive” user reviews highlights the game’s tactical depth: varied strategies, an abundance of monsters (including shifted variants), and a synergy system that makes unexpected team combinations work — plus praise for the pixel art. See the reviews on Steam.
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Source: gamesradar.com
