Lost in Random: The Eternal Die Review – A Worthy Roguelite Adventure
Released in 2021, Lost in Random garnered a dedicated, if modest, fanbase thanks to its unique Tim Burton-esque aesthetic, quirky world, and an engaging blend of dice rolls and card mechanics. Fast forward a few years, and the team behind the original game has moved on to new projects, such as the eerie The Midnight Walk, while Zoink, now rebranded as Stormteller Games, has decided to take the franchise in a bold new direction with Lost in Random: The Eternal Die. The game shifts the series’ formula into the roguelite genre, bringing a fresh take on the gameplay inspired by titles like Hades. But is it a roll of the dice that paid off, or does it come up snake eyes?
The Story
In this sequel, players take control of Queen Aleksandra, the antagonist from the original game, who finds herself at odds with the Dark Lords that destroyed her kingdom. As the game begins, she’s sucked into the cursed Black Die and must battle through realms to defeat Mare, a Dark Lord now residing in the die. Although The Eternal Die is loosely tied to its predecessor, you don’t need to have played the original to follow the story. Easter eggs for returning fans are sprinkled throughout, but most of the old cast members have been written out in favor of new characters.
Gameplay Mechanics
The game follows the standard roguelite framework: each run begins by choosing a weapon-sword, spear, bow, or mace-and a card that provides a special attack. You’ll explore randomly-generated biomes, each filled with combat encounters, puzzles, traps, and lore. Along the way, you can find Relics that buff your character and synergize in interesting ways. The Relic system adds a layer of strategy as players try to line up same-colored Relics for powerful stat boosts.
As is typical of the genre, dying means starting over, but the game offers permanent upgrades you can purchase between runs to ease the grind. Combat, inspired by Hades, is fast-paced, with players dashing around battle arenas, attacking enemies, and throwing the titular die for area-of-effect damage. The die generates random effects based on the number rolled, which adds an unpredictable element to the gameplay.
Visuals and Performance
On the visual front, The Eternal Die retains the distinct, twisted aesthetic of the original game. The zoomed-out isometric camera offers a new perspective but may take some getting used to. The game runs smoothly on PS5, and I encountered zero bugs during my playthrough, a welcome rarity.
Challenges and Critiques
Despite the polished presentation and satisfying action, the game falters in a few key areas. The storytelling is light, which may disappoint fans of the rich lore found in the first game. The repetitive nature of the roguelite structure becomes apparent, especially after several runs through the same biomes. The lack of variety in weapons and upgrades compared to titles like Hades or Dead Cells makes the experience feel a bit shallow after a while. However, The Eternal Die isn’t an overly demanding game, making it accessible to newcomers or younger players.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die offers a solid and enjoyable roguelite experience with charming visuals and satisfying combat mechanics. However, it lacks the depth of its inspirations and predecessor, making it better suited for those looking for a lighter, less challenging roguelite experience. If you’re new to the genre or want a more casual roguelite, this is definitely worth a roll of the dice.