Enter the Chronosphere makes me feel like Neo dodging bullets through the Matrix, but in a colourful and psychedelic world.
It’s a roguelike — not usually my type of game — but its visuals and intriguing characters immediately stood out and made me want to check it out, especially knowing it was made in my hometown.
Space Shenanigans
After a sphere invasion wipes out her planet, Marcia, a freedom fighter, finds herself crossing paths with an odd but friendly group of aliens. She becomes their newest recruit as they uncover the mysteries of the curious entities known as Chronospheres.
In between missions, the crew debrief, banter, reminisce about the past, or get up to all sorts of entertaining antics onboard the spaceship (I’m looking at you, Lillypilly) — all with a chill space jam in the background.
Time is On Your Side
Enter the Chronosphere takes time to get used to but practice makes perfect.
The turn-based gameplay is delightfully fluid — despite bullets or explosives flying at you from every angle, time is frozen until you make your move. The environment is also fair game.
Projectiles can bounce, enemy friendly fire is a thing, and if there’s no easy way forward, you might want to blast your way in.
Suit Up and Dive into the Chaos
Each Chronosphere is a procedurally generated, hostile environment containing different biomes of enemies and hazards. Players can expect to find an assortment of weapons, upgrades, health or mission items in each run.
The objective is simple, though. Select a character, dive into a Chronosphere and try to make it out in one piece. Repeat until you succeed.
Permanent progress takes the sting out of failures, motivating players to do ‘just one more’ run.
When you do defeat a tough boss or complete a Chronosphere however, it is glorious — be sure to bask in the moment as the music swells and a wave of victory washes over you.
With Great Power Comes Great Instability
Items are randomised, each character feels distinct, and no two runs feel the same. Whether you’re wielding a rocket launcher, commanding minions, or even throwing sand at enemies, it’s an epic time.
Additionally, messing with a Chronosphere’s instability really ups the ante. Each increased level has the chance to add dangerous side effects to mutated enemies.
Is it Time to Enter the Chronosphere?
Enter the Chronosphere is in great shape so far, with the occasional frame drop but otherwise very slick. Thoughtfully designed, it is challenging without being frustrating.
Aside from roguelike and bullet hell enthusiasts, fans of space adventures, psychedelic art and turn-based tactics should check this one out.
Enter the Chronosphere by Effort Star is out in early access on Steam.
Early access to the game was supplied to Quest Daily by the publisher.
