Abyssus is a premium first-person shooter game that blends roguelite structure with intense PvE combat in a visually rich Steampunk-inspired world. Set in the depths of an ancient sunken civilization, the game pits you against corrupted beings in fast-paced combat scenarios. The goal is to collect power-ups, dive deeper into the ruins of a lost civilization, and survive.

Expect the game to push your reflexes and tactics with challenging enemy waves and randomly generated encounters. If you’ve played Barotrauma, Abyssus taps into a similar underwater survival theme, though it leans more into FPS action and fluid online co-op gameplay. 

Braving the depths of a sunken world

Abyssus throws you into the role of an explorer descending into the remains of an ancient civilization powered by brine—an energy source as mysterious as it is volatile. The narrative sets the tone for a larger battle between technology and the supernatural, as you fight to survive while unraveling the world’s secrets. The world-building shines through the game’s environments, with each region featuring haunting detail and a distinct, steampunk atmosphere.

The core gameplay loop revolves around collecting divine blessings, enhancing elemental firepower, and mastering mod-heavy weaponry like revolvers, shotguns, and turrets. Each run becomes a strategic balance of choosing powers and tweaking loadouts. Weapon mods play a key role in adapting to ever-tougher foes, while the evolving skill tree offers incentives for replayability. This level of customization enriches the online co-op experience, especially when strategizing with teammates.

As for the game's level design, it follows the roguelite formula with procedurally arranged combat zones to ensure each session feels fresh. As you progress, enemies grow more relentless, and divine abilities offer escalating advantages. The PvE structure relies on tight teamwork of up to four players. However, players sensitive to intense combat imagery or graphic violence should approach with caution, as the game doesn't shy away from visceral content.

A promising co-op experience

While still in its demo phase, Abyssus offers a promising glimpse into a chaotic, lore-rich shooter with strong co-op elements. Its mix of roguelike structure, elemental weapon systems, and Steampunk aesthetics gives it a distinctive identity. While it might not appeal to those averse to high-octane, violent imagery, fans of challenging shooters with procedural depth will find plenty to look forward to in the full release.