Morbid Metal: A New Roguelike Action Game by Screen Juice and Ubisoft

Morbid Metal, a roguelike action game developed by the indie studio Screen Juice and published by Ubisoft, was officially launched in early access on Steam after nine years of development. The game, which blends elements from titles like Dark Souls and Returnal, allows players to explore a dystopian future while engaging in fast-paced hack-and-slash combat. The project began as a university assignment for Felix Schade, who later founded Screen Juice. Initially envisioned as a simple origami-themed game, Morbid Metal evolved significantly over the years, culminating in a team of 11 developers.

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Players in Morbid Metal can shapeshift between three distinct characters: Flux, Ekku, and Vekta, each possessing unique abilities and combat styles. The game features semi-procedurally generated levels, offering infinite replayability through various environmental biomes, including the Sublime Garden and Steel Sanctuary. Combat is designed to be challenging, requiring players to adapt and strategize, especially during boss encounters. The game also introduces mechanics like Devil’s Bargains and Operator’s Trials, which provide players with high-risk, high-reward opportunities.

Morbid Metal Now Available in Early Access on Steam

Upon its release, Morbid Metal received positive feedback, with an early player score of 78%. Schade noted that the game's visibility was boosted by social media engagement, including a viral Reddit post that attracted significant attention from potential publishers, including Ubisoft. The early access phase is intended to gather player feedback, allowing the developers to refine the game further. Schade expressed gratitude for the community's support, stating, "What began as a prototype for a university application in 2015 has grown into what Morbid Metal is today."

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Morbid Metal is currently available on Steam for a promotional price of AU$20.21, a 25% discount from its regular price of AU$26.95. The game is accessible in multiple languages, including English, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese, and supports Xbox and PlayStation controllers.

Morbid Metal Now Available in Early Access on Steam

While the game has garnered positive reviews, some players have expressed concerns about its difficulty, particularly for those less experienced with action RPGs. Comments from the community highlight the game's challenging nature, with one player noting, "Combat is very satisfying and relies on switching between three characters... Game is also pretty challenging for my old non-zoomer brain." This feedback indicates a divide in player experience, suggesting that while many appreciate the challenge, others may find it daunting.

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As Morbid Metal continues its early access journey, the developers at Screen Juice are committed to incorporating player feedback to enhance the gaming experience. With regular content updates planned, the team aims to evolve the game further, ensuring it meets the expectations of its growing player base. Schade's journey from a university project to a published game exemplifies the potential for indie developers in the gaming industry, particularly when supported by established publishers like Ubisoft.

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