Slyders is an action game developed and published by Kato Games. It’s a roguelite, first-person shooter with fast-paced combat mechanics and an in-depth progression system. Each session feels like an arena-shooter that pits you against waves of hyper-energetic enemies, where you have to consistently dodge projectiles while shooting foes non-stop.

Aryx, the main protagonist in Slyders, is equipped with special powers and the ability to summon minions to assist him in fending off the onslaught. He also has access to a neat selection of deadly arsenal and other useful gadgets to turn the tide of the battle in his favor.

Liberate the once peaceful realm

In Slyders, you take control of Aryx, who is tasked with liberating Sky World from the forces of evil. To help you face this massive army, you are granted the ability to call upon powerful allies, like an elephant warrior or a giant sandworm, to assist in fights. Aryx can also loot special weapons and items from enemies to upgrade his overall power.

Runs are short and only take 15 minutes to complete, offering a less grindy experience if you don’t have a lot of hours to commit to the game. The combat is extremely fast-paced, requiring you to always be on the move and dodge incoming attacks. In some cases, it can be a bit overwhelming, and certainly not the type of game if you’re looking for a casual shooter.

The game sports a “cartoonish” aesthetic, sporting a comical and playful theme, which can unfortunately put off some folk who crave a realistic shooter. All unlockable maps and regions in the game have this distinct art style. If you can get over this fact, it does pair beautifully with the game’s theme. The environments are lush, vibrant, and colorful — a welcoming change of scenery to the shooter genre.

A perfect blend of roguelite and FPS

Overall, Slyders nails the combination of roguelite, FPS, and looter-shooter concepts mixed into one game. There is that sense of progression through upgrades that roguelite titles have, and there is also that all-out carnage that every first-person shooter game has. It respects your time with its short, yet engaging runs, great if you’re looking for a quick dose of adrenaline rush.