Has-Been Heroes (2017)

Overview

Has-Been Heroes is an intense, lane-based roguelike strategy game that combines tactical planning with fast-paced action. Players guide a group of heroes on a mission to escort the King’s twin daughters to a distant school, navigating through treacherous paths filled with relentless enemies. The gameplay emphasizes careful coordination of three heroes, each with unique abilities, requiring players to manage melee attacks, cooldown periods, and an extensive variety of spells to generate powerful combo effects. Success depends on balancing strategic foresight with quick decision-making to overcome an endless army of undead controlled by the Great Ghoul.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players control three characters simultaneously across three lanes, coordinating their attacks and spells to eliminate waves of enemies. The game features turn-based elements combined with real-time strategy mechanics, offering a simple foundation that becomes increasingly complex as players progress. Randomly generated maps provide diverse encounters including merchants, spell vendors, treasure chests, and various crossroads, all of which allow players to enhance their heroes’ capabilities while avoiding the dangers that lurk in the shadows. The game’s permadeath system raises the stakes, forcing players to adapt to new challenges in each run.

Strategy and Customization

Has-Been Heroes challenges players to develop unique strategies for each attempt, thanks to hundreds of spells and items that can be combined in countless ways. The extensive collection of abilities encourages experimentation and careful planning, as players seek the most effective combinations to survive increasingly difficult encounters. Unlockable heroes add further variety, allowing players to discover new playstyles and approaches. Each journey presents unpredictable scenarios, ensuring no two runs are ever the same and requiring constant adaptation and thoughtful use of resources.

Storyline

The game follows a group of aging champions summoned for one final mission by King Fortinbrax. As the seasoned heroes prepare to escort Princesses Avaline and Beatrix to a distant academy, a young rogue joins the team to provide much-needed assistance. Players experience the adventures of the heroes, including the wise monk Metacles and the powerful warrior Crux, as they confront dangers along the road. Along the way, players may encounter additional characters such as an anthropologist turned Mexican wrestler, a vigilant bodyguard, and other unique allies, each bringing new abilities and dynamics to the team.

Features

• Control a trio of heroes across three lanes, coordinating attacks and spells to defeat relentless enemies.
• Explore randomly generated maps filled with merchants, treasure chests, spells, and other encounters to enhance hero abilities.
• Combine turn-based tactics with real-time strategy elements to create engaging and challenging gameplay.
• Experiment with hundreds of spells and items to create devastating combo effects, adapting strategy for each run.
• Unlock and collect 12 playable heroes, each with unique abilities, and discover new allies throughout the journey.
• Face permadeath, requiring players to start over when heroes fall, ensuring a fresh challenge every run.
• Travel across 13 distinct regions while managing increasingly difficult waves of enemies.
• Utilize over 300 spells and 200 items, providing countless combinations and strategies for each playthrough.

Replayability

The game’s roguelike design guarantees a high level of replayability. Each playthrough presents new maps, enemy arrangements, and item placements, compelling players to continuously adjust their strategies. The combination of randomized elements, unlockable heroes, and the extensive array of spells and items ensures that every journey offers a fresh and challenging experience, keeping players engaged in mastering the intricacies of the game.

Has-Been Heroes is a tough but rewarding game. Its mix of strategy, action, and roguelike mechanics keeps every run fresh and challenging. Controlling three heroes and combining hundreds of spells makes every battle feel unique and satisfying.

The game can be frustrating at times due to permadeath and high difficulty, but that is also what makes victories feel earned. The humor, variety of heroes, and random maps add charm and replay value. If you like games that push your planning and reflexes, this one is worth your time.

We recommend Has-Been Heroes for players who enjoy strategic challenges and don’t mind starting over often. Casual gamers might find it harsh, but for those looking for a tough and fun experience, this game delivers.