Tripwire Presents and Ice Code Games have joined forces to introduce us to “Rogue Waters,” a mature-rated, turn-based tactical roguelite RPG that captures the adventurous spirit of pirate life and sprinkles in some supernatural elements. This is our detailed review of Rogue Waters.
Upon booting up “Rogue Waters,” players are thrust into the tumultuous world of Captain Cutter, a pirate embroiled in a deadly dance of power and revenge. The game kicks off with an audacious hunt for treasure, where Captain Blackbone demands you seize a mystical crystal. However, things take a turn for the weird when you hear an eerie voice in your head and lose an eye to the cursed jewel. Blue energy emanates ominously, and Blackbone, appalled by the turn of events, demands the stone be extracted from your skull. Naturally, this escalates quickly, and you find yourself on the run, betrayed and alone. Your mission? Assemble a new crew, take down the treacherous Blackbone, and adjust to a world that moved on during the years you were away.
Your pirate adventure unfolds across various difficulty levels—Story, Normal, Hard, and Heroic I—each catering to different playstyles. Whether you prefer a narrative-driven experience or crave a hardcore challenge, there’s a mode to suit you. From gaining bonuses in XP, Blueprints, and Glass to testing your mettle against increasingly aggressive foes, each difficulty offers something unique.
As with any pirate tale worth its salt, engaging in skirmishes is essential. Battles with other pirate crews revolve around turn-based combat where strategy is key. Deploy up to four crew members, maneuver them skillfully, and use their abilities to push enemies strategically for bonus damage. Remember, positioning and terrain can tip the tide of battle, making it crucial to assess each ship’s layout for advantages, such as ropes that enable rapid movement.
Sea battles are another facet to master, as you confront enemy ships by spending Command Points (CP) to fire cannons and manage your resources wisely. The intent of enemy ships is clearly marked, and while larger vessels pose greater threats, their rewards are commensurate with their size. Raids allow players to unleash the mythical sea creatures they’ve befriended, calling upon mighty beasts like the Kraken to decimate foes.
Within Pirate’s Cove, your central hub, the shipyard beckons with upgrades and customization, allowing enhancements like increased HP for Captain Cutter and your crewmates’ toughness. Players can also recruit new pirates or enhance their crew’s skills through branching skill trees, adding depth and replayability to the game.
“Rogue Waters” comes packed with trophies for those seeking to complete the game to its fullest potential, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the coveted Platinum. Players will need to complete all major acts, max out character levels, and fully upgrade ships, equipment, and crew members to achieve trophy glory.
This game delivers a turn-based tactical experience that marries the thrill of pirate battles with strategic elements and a sprinkle of supernatural flair. Step into the shoes of Captain Cutter, face your betrayer, and claim your vengeance, enriched by the horde of loot you plunder and the legendary sea monsters that rally to your cause. Available on PlayStation 5 for $29.99, “Rogue Waters” offers a swashbuckling journey not to be missed.
This review was based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Tripwire Presents.
