Innovative indie developer Big Distraction has officially released its new game, LORT, in early access on Steam, capturing the attention of gamers eager for a fresh take on the roguelike genre. The game invites players to team up with up to seven friends to explore a vibrant fantasy world, loot treasures, and upgrade their characters with a host of unique abilities.
The inspiration behind LORT stems from the success of Risk of Rain 2, which combined third-person co-op gameplay with a cyclical roguelike structure. According to Big Distraction, “We kept waiting for another Risk of Rain 2. It never came. So we quit AAA and made LORT.” This statement highlights the team’s ambition to carve out a niche in the gaming landscape, where they feel there has been a lack of comparable offerings since the original game’s release.
Gameplay Features and Development Roadmap
LORT’s gameplay features a mix of magic, combat, and humor, with players encountering goblins, a giant crow riding a van, and a diverse array of weapon types. As players loot their way through various procedurally generated biomes, they can stack flashy upgrades to enhance their characters before facing off against formidable bosses.
The Steam page for LORT reveals that the team has previously worked on popular titles such as Fortnite and Rocket League. This experience informs their approach to early access, as they aim to collaborate closely with the gaming community. The developers have also shared a detailed roadmap that outlines future updates, including the addition of daggers, new power-ups, and a “rogue” class that resembles a frog-turned-assassin.
Currently, the game features four procedurally generated biomes, several playable adventurers, and nine weapon types, along with a quirky item known as the “Muscle Mummy Statue.” The forthcoming updates promise to enhance the game further, introducing an endless mode and various difficulty settings to cater to a wider audience.
Community Engagement and Reception
Player feedback has been largely positive, with Steam user reviews categorized as ‘Mostly Positive.’ Gamers have praised LORT for its engaging meta-progression and build potential. However, some users have expressed concerns regarding the game’s suitability for solo play, noting the absence of matchmaking features. It remains to be seen whether these elements will be incorporated into the game’s future development.
The developers are keen on fostering community engagement post-release, stating, “We have a lot of ideas for LORT. A lot. But while we like our ideas, we ultimately want to make what you and the rest of the community want.” This commitment to collaboration suggests that players can expect to see their suggestions reflected in future updates.
As LORT continues to evolve, its blend of humor and engaging gameplay may position it as a strong contender in the roguelike genre, especially for those who enjoyed Risk of Rain 2. The game’s unique approach, combined with its active development strategy, offers a promising outlook for both the developers and the gaming community.
