DevGAMM recently showcased Rift Riff, a pixel-art fantasy tower defense strategy title where players repel monstrous hordes using “juice” to fund their fortifications. The developers have taken a refreshingly accessible approach to the game’s challenge level.
Developer Franz Laserte explained the team’s philosophy:
“One of our core pillars is making the game highly forgiving. For instance, when you build towers, they cost ‘juice,’ but you can reclaim that cost entirely. If a strategy isn’t working, you can refund everything and pivot your approach in a risk-free environment. Furthermore, failure doesn’t require restarting the whole level; you only need to repeat the current wave. Since some levels span six or seven waves, this saves you from tedious backtracking.”
This mechanics-driven flexibility allows players to experiment with bold new tactics without being punished for mistakes. If a wave proves too difficult, players can simply reset their current progress and try a different layout using their full pool of resources.
This design philosophy lowers the barrier to entry, making Rift Riff an engaging choice for both genre veterans and those new to tactical strategy.
Source: iXBT.games