I Burnt My Kid’s Pancakes Playing Way Too Much Blood Dungeon, An Excellent Vampire Survivors-Like From The Designer Of Nidhogg, And I’d Do It Again

Blood Dungeon: When Vampire Survivors Meets Platforming Chaos

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Let me tell you a secret: I’m currently neglecting my parental duties because I’m hopelessly addicted to . Yes, that’s right, I burned my kid’s pancakes while battling hordes of pixelated monsters in this addictive blend of Vampire Survivors and 2D platforming. And honestly? I regret nothing.

A Deliciously Chaotic Brew

Developed by the mastermind behind classics like Nidhogg, Fly Wrench, and last year’s Wheel World, takes the addictive “one more run” loop of games like Vampire Survivors and injects it into a platformer. Forget simply hopping from one surface to the next; in , you can crawl along walls and ceilings, hugging them like a caffeinated caterpillar. Each arena is unique, ranging from underwater grottos to endless wells, but the enemy placement and upgrade locations are randomized for each run, ensuring that no two playthroughs are ever quite the same.

Upgrade Your Way to Victory (or Hilarious Defeat)

You start by choosing one of nine unlockable characters and embark on a quest through six unlockable dungeons. Along the way, you’re constantly juggling over 100 auto-firing upgrades to fight over 100 enemies to complete over 100 quests. You gain power by collecting blood from your vanquished foes, which can be used to acquire everything from laser beams and spinning swords to rare charms that let you freeze or even zombify your enemies. As you play and inevitably die (repeatedly), more upgrades become available, leading to increasingly exotic builds. Imagine bouncing basketball weapons ricocheting off the walls or spiderweb guns that allow you to climb in mid-air – it’s a glorious mess.

A Visual Feast of Whimsy and Irreverence

Visually, embraces the lo-fi doodle art style that has become synonymous with Mark Essen’s solo projects. The characters and enemies are bursting with a delightful combination of whimsy and irreverence. One character is nude with censor bars across their body and moves only by doing cartwheels. A machine gun icon looks suspiciously like something it shouldn’t, and one of the bosses is a giant worm straight out of Nidhogg. The soundtrack, composed by Thomas Hoey (also responsible for the music in Wheel World), perfectly complements the visuals, creating a unique and trance-like atmosphere.

More Than Just “One More Run”

While many Vampire Survivors-likes focus on that addictive feeling of getting to the next upgrade and conquering the game, adds a crucial element: agency. The platforming aspect forces you to actively dodge hazards and navigate complex environments, making each run feel more like a strategic dance than a passive grind. This is where truly shines, offering a level of engagement that goes beyond simply optimizing your build.

A Masterpiece of Controlled Chaos

While Messhof has drawn comparisons to Spelunky when discussing the game’s inspirations, I also detected a hint of Pac-Man DNA in . The mazes you explore feel urgent, as if the walls are constantly closing in. You must learn the layout and plan your escape routes, making split-second decisions about which tunnel to follow. This constant tension is what keeps me coming back for more. Unlike some games that leave you feeling vaguely exploited by their addictive loops, feels like a challenge I genuinely want to overcome.

I’m only five hours into my journey through , but unlike Ball X Pit, which made me feel vaguely gross about wanting to continue playing, feels like an arcade cabinet I want to spend all week saving my quarters up for until I’ve mastered what it has to offer. So, if you’re looking for a fresh and addictive gaming experience that blends the best of Vampire Survivors with tight platforming action, look no further than . Just be prepared to neglect your responsibilities – it’s that good.

Source: Kotaku