Indie Roguelike Cult Hit: Major Update After Five Years
Star of Providence, a bullet hell roguelike shooter that initially flew under the radar upon its Steam debut in 2017, has recently received a significant update after five years. Despite its humble beginnings, the game has garnered a dedicated fan base, including popular YouTuber videogamedunkey, who was so impressed by it that he assisted in republishing it under the Bigmode label. With a newly released Switch port and a major update, Star of Providence is poised to reclaim the attention it rightfully deserves.
Rediscovering Star of Providence
If you haven’t heard of Star of Providence before, it might be because the game was originally known as “Monolith” when it first hit the Steam platform. The decision to rebrand the game to Star of Providence was not only to give it a more catchy title but also to avoid any potential legal issues with Warner Bros. Games, who holds the trademark for the original title due to its studio of the same name. For many players, this rebranding will serve as their introduction to the game’s captivating retro art style, diverse range of enemies, weapons, and hidden secrets.
The New Content
The recent update, titled Into Oblivion, marks a significant milestone for Star of Providence, introducing a plethora of new content to enhance the player experience. Among the additions are two new upgrades, a new playable character, five new normal enemies, and a surprising abundance of new bosses. The update also includes 13 unique weapons, 20 cartridges, and 43 new keywords, offering players a fresh array of tools and challenges to explore.
Additionally, the update features a complete rework of the loop mechanic, limiting it to a maximum loop of 13, as well as a revamped Skully playable “ship.” Players can now face the Gauntlet, a new sub-branch offering valuable rewards in exchange for conquering esoteric challenges. The update also introduces “Boss Rushes,” hundreds of new room layouts with various hazards and gimmicks, and significant balance changes, visual enhancements, and performance optimizations throughout the game.
A Second Chance in the Limelight
It is a rare occurrence for games, especially smaller indie titles that may have been overlooked, to receive a second chance to shine in the gaming community. Star of Providence’s resurgence is a testament to the game’s enduring appeal and the dedication of its developers to continue improving and expanding upon the original experience. Despite being initially overlooked in 2017, the game managed to capture the attention of videogamedunkey, earning a spot on his list of best games in 2018. He commended the game for its simple yet challenging design, plunging players into a space horror adventure that rewards perseverance and skill. Once mastered, players can complete the game in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal fit for the Switch platform.
In conclusion, the recent update for Star of Providence not only breathes new life into the game but also provides players with a wealth of fresh content to explore and conquer. With its engaging gameplay, striking visuals, and captivating soundtrack, Star of Providence is poised to captivate both new and returning players alike, proving that sometimes, the best things truly do come to those who wait.
