Review of Rogue Waters on PlayStation 5

Tripwire Presents and Ice Code Games have teamed up to deliver Rogue Waters, a game rated M for Mature, that merges turn-based tactical gameplay with the unpredictable life of a pirate, enhanced by supernatural elements. Let’s explore what makes this roguelite RPG tick in our detailed review of Rogue Waters.

The tale immerses you in the shoes of Captain Cutter, a pirate thrown into a tumultuous fight for dominance and revenge. Our story kicks off at the Temple of the Goddess, where Captain Blackbone, obsessed with treasure hunting, pushes you to seize a coveted prize. As you comply, oddities unfold—voices fill your head, and a mystical crystal claims one of your eyes, releasing a surge of blue energy! Captain Blackbone’s impatience grows, prompting him to order the removal of the crystal from your head. Yet, as expected, you resist, eventually breaking free and embarking on an independent adventure. Fourteen years later, with the land greatly altered, your quest to build a formidable crew and face off against the betraying Captain Blackbone begins.

Rogue Waters gives players a choice of four difficulty tiers: Story, Normal, Hard, and Heroic I. ‘Story’ mode caters to those wanting a narrative-focused experience, where battles are less daunting. ‘Normal’ delivers a balanced challenge, while ‘Hard’ ups the ante with fiercer foes, rewarding you with greater XP, Blueprints, and Glass as compensation. The most daring players can attempt ‘Heroic I’, which maximizes difficulty alongside bonuses for accomplishing this feat.

Throughout the game, skirmishes are inevitable as you challenge other crews determined to thwart you. Every skirmish is turn-based, pitting your pirate team against adversaries. Each combatant moves and attacks within their turn, with regular strikes inflicting steady damage and potentially pushing foes against obstacles for extra harm. Strategic moves like bumping enemies into one another or forcing them backward add depth to battles.

Before plunging into duels, you’re tasked with placing up to four units on the battlefield. Using the left stick, choose and command your fighters, while the right stick lets you navigate the scene’s layout. Units can cover ground up to two cells, but movement can vary with applied buffs or debuffs. Each unit’s unique ‘Prepare’ ability boosts resilience when bracing for attacks—a crucial tactic when dealing with long-range threats.

Examining the ship’s layout reveals useful objects, like ropes, granting tactical movement advantages when used, although they do disappear post-action. Victory in battles is achieved by eliminating all foes or filling the fear gauge, which escalates as surplus damage is dealt, resulting in opponents fleeing.

Post-battle and after collecting rewards, you navigate the Region Map—an element familiar to roguelite enthusiasts. Here, you choose paths to adventure, battling hostile vessels, shopping at ports, and tackling events and raids with potential rewards.

Naval encounters demand strategic planning and execution. Spend Command Points (CP) judiciously to close in on enemy vessels, choosing the right cannon based on varying damage types. Mind their intent, denoted by ominous red lines targeting your ship. Larger ships mean more CP and tougher opponents, but they often hold richer bounties. Optionally, focus on enemy cannons or crew during boarding skirmishes. And when raids occur, unleash mythical sea monsters, like the Kraken, for a crucial edge in battle.

Pirate’s Cove becomes your central hub for enhancements. Here, upgrade your ship’s cannons, assign modules, and level up crewmates using earned XP. Gather Glass to acquire upgrades across various domains and even recruit fresh talents. Each crew member aligns with specific skill trees for added strategic depth, a nod to the roguelite mechanics.

The game challenges you further with its extensive trophy list capped by a coveted Platinum trophy. To achieve this, players must progress through key milestones, from completing various acts to mastering character classes and upgrading ship components, making every step, upgrade, and battle significant.

In Rogue Waters, the allure of a tantalizing pirate saga infused with the supernatural is just the beginning. As Captain Cutter, you lead your own band of pirates against Captain Blackbone’s tyranny. Amid treasures and mystical forces, revenge and survival await. Priced at $29.99 on PlayStation 5, Rogue Waters offers a thrilling and strategic journey into piracy’s darker realms.

This review of Rogue Waters is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Tripwire Presents.