Patch Quest

Ok, so when you hear that Patch Quest is another indie-inspired roguelike/Metroidvania game you may be inclined to roll your eyes, but I feel that is actually pretty harsh. This does have much of what you would expect from games in this genre, but the whole “animal/creature” dynamic that they have here where its gimmick is you can ride on anything is pretty damn cool.

Welcome To Patchlantis

The setting of the game is a strange land called Patchlantis that has been hidden away for a very long time and nature has taken it over. Monsters and all kinds of dangerous traps are waiting here for anyone who is daring enough to come and explore this fantastic land.

There is not a great deal of “story” to Patch Quest, but the premise and the vast amount of monsters that the game has give it a ton of personality that had me smiling, even when I was dying over and over again.

The Storm In The Night

Each time you play a round of Patch Quest the level will be different. Different layout, different traps, different monsters, and different rewards. The idea is that a storm each night changes the layout of the land. This is a pretty cool way of explaining a randomly generated land. Your base of operation is in the middle of this world. You can then choose where you go each time. There are dungeons, jungles, deserts, and coastal areas too. The different biomes and the randomly generated nature of the levels ensure that things never become too predictable.

Monster Riding!

The gimmick of Patch Quest is that every single creature in the game can be mounted. These creatures have a ton of personality and they all differ in some way. The Buzzerker for example is a buff bee-looking thing that can fly. Combusdile is a cool crocodile who can spit fire, Sandamander can dig underground! This is just a handful of the crazy monsters that the game has to offer you.

A Little Better Each Time

This is the kind of game where you will die and die a lot, but that is ok. I always felt like this game rewarded you even just a little bit at the end of each round. You need to enter each level, fight the monsters that want you dead, get loot, level up and earn new upgrades that will make each round that little bit easier… in theory. Exploration is greatly encouraged and you can find some cool items, shortcuts, and monsters when you take a chance and try to go somewhere that looks a little bit as if it is off the beaten path.

Pros:

• The monsters are awesome and very imaginative
• I liked how the monsters offered you different abilities
• Different biomes and randomly generated levels keep things fresh
• The way you always earn something, keeps you going

Cons:

• This game can be very tough
• Why is there not merch for these monsters planned???

Deep within the forgotten jungle labyrinth of Patchlantis lies an enthralling monster-collecting adventure. In Patch Quest by Lychee Game Labs, players take control of a lone Lasso tasked with taming the fierce beasts that prowl the island's patchwork terrain. With procedurally generated levels, punishing difficulty, and dozens of monsters to befriend, Patch Quest delivers a refreshing twist on familiar roguelike elements.

Deceptively Difficult Gameplay

Once a thriving civilization, Patchlantis has long been reclaimed by the jungle. Ruined temples lie in wait, booby trapped and guarded by vicious monsters. Even the terrain itself reshuffles each night, making memory of shortcuts and secrets fleeting. When a run comes to an untimely end, the player starts fresh back at base camp. Early mistakes are punished severely in this demanding game.

While exploration and gear upgrades do gradually open new areas to brave, Patch Quest lives up to its moniker of being "deceptively difficult." Simple mistakes can spell a quick game over, keeping players on their toes. Like the best roguelikes, there is incentive to push one's limits each run. Careful resource management and sharp reflexes are key to unraveling the island's mysteries.

Taming the Beasts Through Bullet Hell Chaos

Monsters of all shapes and sizes call Patchlantis home, and each poses a serious threat. From shielded beetles to leaping frogs and flying pixies, these creatures would overwhelm the Lasso were it not for their taming lasso. By capturing foes, their unique combat abilities become available for mounting.

There are over 50 monster types to subdue, many improving traversal. Bats allow gliding, salamanders can swim, and apes leap great heights. In combat, the monster menagerie unleashes an onslaught of projectiles akin to bullet hell shooters. Electric eels stun foes, fire imps rain flaming arrows, and pixies pelt enemies with magical lasers. With creative monster combinations, even the strongest bosses can be bested.

Review: 8.5/10

Patch Quest strikes a perfect balance between challenging gameplayloop and reward. Its hand-drawn aesthetic is charming, and procedurally generated levels keep runs feeling fresh. Monster taming adds strategic depth and collection. While the difficulty can feel punishing, mastering abilities brings about a great sense of accomplishment. With a strong RPGsystem and hundreds of collectibles to find,

Patch Quest offers incredible replay value. Its bullet hell combat also sets it apart from similar titles like Terraria and Monster Hunter Stories. Overall, this imaginative roguelike adventure deserves praise for pushing genre conventions in new directions. With its novel monster-collecting premise and blend of genres, Patch Quest stands out amongst its narrative-driven contemporaries.

Pros:

• Addicting monster taming and combat system
• Procedurally generated levels for endless replayability
• Deep RPG progression and customization
• Charming 16-bit pixel art aesthetic
• Satisfying sense of accomplishment on successes

Cons:

• Steep difficulty curve may frustrate new players
• Permanent death means starting from scratch
• No multiplayer or shared world elements