How clone games took over the market – and why that's not a bad thing

Contents:

• What should be considered a game clone
• How today's clone games differ from the past
• How a new wave of imitators was born
• Why clone games are needed
• What does No Rest for the Wicked have to do with it?

In April 2024, the long-awaited game No Rest for the Wicked, developed by Moon Studios, known for its successful projects about the adventures of Ori, was released on Steam Early Access. This new game promises exciting gameplay and a unique atmosphere, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

The Ori series successfully updated the Metroidvania genre for a modern audience. The game No Rest for the Wicked, according to the developers, will be an "action-RPG of a new format." This new game promises exciting gameplay and unique elements that will expand the usual boundaries of the genre.

The game combines elements of the two most popular genres - Soulslikes and Diabloids. From Soulslikes, Moon Studios borrows the save system, stamina management and complex level design. In turn, the game adopts an isometric perspective and random item generation mechanics from Diablo. This unique blend makes the game engaging and varied, attracting fans of both genres.

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No Rest for the Wicked isn't the first recent release to employ a strategy of borrowing elements from other popular projects. This year, we also discussed Palworld and Enshrouded, which successfully attracted wide audiences thanks to their similar elements. For example, Palworld attracted 15 million users within a month of its Early Access release. These examples demonstrate how elements of successful games can be adapted to create new, unique projects, which contributes to increased interest and player base.

Modern players are clearly gravitating toward proven concepts presented in a new interpretation. Not a month goes by without another hit reminiscent of popular games of the past appearing on the market. For example, the recently released RPG gacha Wuthering Waves, which borrows the style and mechanics of Genshin Impact, earned $10 million in its first five days and is approaching 6 million downloads.

The current wave of clone games is sparking an interesting debate about the underlying rationale behind this phenomenon. Copying successful game mechanics and concepts from the past not only reflects nostalgia but also opens up new opportunities for the gaming industry. Games like No Rest for the Wicked demonstrate how recycled ideas can inspire developers to create unique content. It's important to understand that behind every clone lies the potential for innovation, which can lead to the emergence of new genres and improved gaming formats. Copying old concepts becomes more than just borrowing, but a unique reimagining capable of moving the industry forward.

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What constitutes a game clone?

This question is difficult to answer, as no game consists entirely of original elements. Each new project borrows ideas and mechanics from previously created games. However, this doesn't mean that every new game is a clone of its predecessor. Developers strive to bring something new, combining existing concepts with innovative approaches, which is what makes the gaming industry so diverse and interesting.

There is a clear line between inspiration and copying, as illustrated by two popular first-person shooters released in the 1990s: Duke Nukem 3D (1996) and Half-Life (1998). At the time, the term "Doom clones" was more commonly used to describe both games. These games made a significant contribution to the development of the genre and demonstrated how to create unique gaming experiences based on existing ideas.

Half-Life and Duke Nukem 3D borrowed many key elements from games created by id Software. These games feature a first-person perspective, intense combat with enemies, and simple puzzle solving as the core of their gameplay. A fast-paced action, a diverse arsenal of weapons, a health regeneration system, and storylines about aliens and demons that have infiltrated our world are also characteristic of these projects. These elements make the games engaging and memorable, and id Software's legacy continues to influence the video game industry.

The Half-Life engine was developed based on the Quake engine, which is the next stage of evolution after id Software's Doom. Unlike Duke Nukem 3D, which can truly be considered a Doom clone, Half-Life is a unique project, distinguished by an innovative approach to gameplay and narrative.

Duke Nukem 3D significantly differs from its legendary predecessor, not simply copying its elements. This game features a more realistic environment compared to Doom, creating a unique atmosphere. Players can rotate the camera in all directions, adding depth to the gameplay. Furthermore, the charismatic and sarcastic protagonist, Duke Nukem, brings a unique charm to the game, distinguishing it from other shooters of the time. This combination of innovative mechanics and a memorable character makes Duke Nukem 3D a cult classic.

Half-Life was a true breakthrough in the shooter genre, as the Valve team introduced a new element—a deeply developed story with a cinematic presentation. Previously, shooters adhered to the opinion of programmer John Carmack, who argued that plot was as unimportant in games as it was in porn films. However, Half-Life successfully refuted this assertion, demonstrating that a compelling story can significantly enrich the gameplay and attract players' attention.

Unlike Doom's minimalist approach, Valve's game offers players a deeper story and interactivity. It features talkative companions and scripted action scenes, significantly enriching the gameplay. In the first ten minutes, the player gets acquainted with the surrounding world, traveling by train and exploring the Black Mesa complex. This approach allows for a better immersion in the game's atmosphere and understanding of its unique universe.

Half-Life transformed the concept of simply shooting monsters into a captivating saga about humanity's confrontation with alien invaders. Valve managed to integrate ideas borrowed from Doom into a new context, which significantly enriched the plot and gameplay mechanics. At the same time, Duke Nukem 3D, despite its high quality of execution, only updated the gameplay of the original, offering a more attractive visual shell. Thus, Half-Life became an example of how innovations in narrative and mechanics can transform the gaming experience, while Duke Nukem 3D demonstrates that even classic elements can be successfully adapted for a new audience.

Game clones are video games that borrow key elements of the original, adding minor changes to the setting, plot, or game mechanics. Such projects often aim to appeal to fans of the original game by offering familiar mechanisms and atmosphere, but without deeply reimagined content. This allows developers to quickly create a game that will be familiar to players, but does not require significant investment in developing new ideas. As a result, game clones can be both successful and unsuccessful, depending on how well they use the original material.

It is important to note that borrowing ideas does not equate to plagiarism. While Pokemon's legal representatives closely monitor Palworld for possible copyright infringement, the game makes numerous changes that allow it to avoid being considered a direct copy of the original series.

This article will not discuss intellectual property infringements such as the numerous copies of Flappy Birds. This phenomenon is more likely associated with the desire to make a quick buck or gain experience in game development.

In this article, we will discuss the artistic aspects of game clones and their significance in the video game industry. In recent years, both the artistic design and the role of clones have transformed significantly. We will consider how these changes affect the perception of games and their success in the market, and how clones can serve as a source of inspiration for new ideas and mechanics in game design.

How Today's Clone Games Differ from Past Ones

The difference between innovation and skillful borrowing is clearly illustrated by the example of Duke Nukem 3D. This game project highlights an important point: game clones as a phenomenon have always been present in the history of the gaming industry and have always enjoyed popularity. Clones not only copy successful concepts, but also introduce unique elements to them, which makes them attractive to a wide audience. Advancing technology and changing player preferences continue to fuel the popularity of clones, creating new opportunities for developers. Doom clones include numerous successful first-person shooters that appeared from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. These games include Heretic, Blood, Serious Sam, Marathon, and even Quake, developed by the same company, id Software. The first part of Silent Hill, released in 1999, is often compared to Resident Evil, as there are a significant number of similarities between the two games.

Often, a large number of clones leads to the formation of entire genres. As Adam Millard, host of The Architect of Games, points out, two of the most enduring indie genres—roguelikes and metroidvanias—emerged from the multitude of imitators of just a few classic games. These genres continue to evolve, introducing new mechanics and ideas to the gaming industry, a testament to their popularity and longevity.

Roguelikes as a genre are inspired by Rogue, a game released in 1980 that became a seminal title, introducing elements such as restarting the game after death and procedurally generated levels. The term "metroidvania" comes from combining the names of two legendary platformer series with non-linear structures: Metroid and Castlevania. These games continue to be important reference points for modern Metroidvania titles, shaping their features and gameplay mechanics.

A few years ago It was hard to imagine that a group of developers could create a low-poly Battlefield clone that would be better received by the public than DICE's recent releases. We're talking about Battlefield Remastered, which sold 2 million copies in just two weeks after its Early Access release. This game attracted attention due to its unique style and gameplay mechanics, which made it a successful competitor in the multiplayer shooter genre.

The success of this project highlights several key characteristics inherent in modern clone games. These games are distinguished by a unique development approach, innovative design, and effective use of popular game mechanics. They attract players with high-quality graphics, interactive gameplay, and a well-thought-out user interface. Importantly, modern clone games are able to adapt to changes in audience preferences, which makes them competitive in the market. Tracking trends and actively engaging with the community allow such projects to remain relevant and successful in a highly competitive environment.

Palworld reached 15 million copies on Steam and 10 million players on Xbox in a month, an impressive result. These figures are comparable to those that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the latest game in the well-known series, achieved in over a year. The success of Palworld highlights the growing interest in new games in the creature-collecting and open-world genres.

The co-op horror game Lethal Company transferred the mechanics of Phasmophobia to a grim corporate dystopian setting. In December 2023, the game reached a record 239,000 concurrent players, allowing it to compete with giants like Apex Legends and PUBG. This success underscores the growing interest in the horror genre and Lethal Company's ability to engage audiences with its unique approach to gameplay and atmosphere.

The Korean soulslike Lies of P, released in September 2023, reached 7 million players in six months. This number matches the total sales of Bloodborne, one of the main sources of inspiration for Lies of P, throughout its entire lifespan. The success of Lies of P highlights the growing popularity of the soulslike genre and player interest in innovative takes on classic themes.

Indie games, even those not widely known, can attract a significant number of players. An example of this is Death Must Die, which combines the gameplay of Vampire Survivors with the visual style of Hades. The game has already garnered over 15,000 reviews on Steam, 92% of which are positive. This demonstrates the growing popularity of indie projects and their ability to find an audience. Previously, copycat games often focused on a single successful project, such as the Grand Theft Auto clones that appeared in the 2000s. However, recently, developers have increasingly strived to create unique gameplay mechanics and original concepts, drawing inspiration from multiple popular games. This not only diversifies the gameplay but also attracts a wider audience. Modern games are becoming more multifaceted, combining elements of different genres and offering players new experiences. As a result, projects are emerging that, despite their roots, can offer a fresh take on familiar mechanics and stories.

Creators of new games often use individual elements from established projects, combining them without significant changes to create a unique gaming experience. This approach allows them to quickly create content that already has its audience and a proven concept, which increases the chances of success for the new project. As a result, players can encounter familiar mechanics and styles, but in a new context, which sometimes leads to unexpected and interesting results.

No Rest for the Wicked, with which we begin our review, is a striking example of this approach, but it is not the only case. There are many other examples illustrating similar principles and concepts.

In 2021, the online shooter Splitgate attracted the attention of players thanks to its successful combination of combat mechanics and modes borrowed from Halo with portal elements from Portal. The shooter Remnant 2 successfully integrates the save system typical of Soulslike games with loot mechanics reminiscent of Destiny. Enshrouded combines elements from three popular titles: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Elden Ring, and Valheim, creating a unique gaming experience. These examples demonstrate how modern developers are using successful mechanics from various games to offer players new and engaging concepts.

If you enjoyed building construction sets as a child, you probably remember combining pieces from different sets to create original hybrid constructions. The games mentioned were developed in a similar manner: the developers selected elements they liked and excluded more controversial aspects. This approach allowed them to create unique game worlds that combine the best ideas and mechanics, providing players with an engaging and innovative experience.

Death Must Die is a game aimed at fans of Vampire Survivors gameplay, but offers more modern graphics that depart from the visual style of mobile games of the 2000s. This design choice not only attracts players but also creates additional benefits, such as deeper immersion in the gameplay and an improved perception of visuals. The game offers an immersive experience, combining classic mechanics with modern elements, making it appealing to a wide audience.

The word "accessibility" in this context has several meanings. First and foremost, it refers to ease of access to information and resources. Accessibility also implies the ability to use various services and products for all categories of users, including people with disabilities. Furthermore, accessibility can relate to financial aspects, such as affordability. It is important to consider all these aspects when developing and evaluating various offerings to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

Many gaming projects are becoming an excellent alternative to games unavailable on PC. For example, Palworld and Lies of P can be enjoyed on computers, while games like Bloodborne and the Pokemon series remain console exclusives. This gives players the opportunity to experience new genres and mechanics that they cannot find on their platform.

Secondly, such games often have lower system requirements. For example, Battlefield Remastered can be run even on computers that are already ten years old, unlike the latest installments of the Battlefield series, which require modern hardware. This makes BattleBit Remastered accessible to a wider audience, allowing players to enjoy the gameplay without having to upgrade their computer.

Clone games often smooth out gameplay rough edges, both intentional and unintentional, to make them more accessible to newcomers. In Valheim, for example, cutting down a tree can cause damage, and constructing multi-layered buildings requires considering load-bearing capacity. In Enshrouded, you can forget about these complexities and construct buildings anywhere, even in mid-air. This simplifies gameplay and allows you to focus on creativity and exploration, making the game more appealing to a wider audience.

Struggling with the complex logistics of factory conveyor belts in Factorio? Foundry offers a simplified approach to building, allowing you to focus on the fun of the game rather than complex optimization. Stuck on a difficult boss in Dark Souls? Another Crab's Treasure offers the ability to use a powerful pistol that can destroy any enemy with a single shot. Tired of trying to figure out Elden Ring's complex mechanics on your own? No Rest for the Wicked will offer you helpful hints on which buttons to press to defeat your opponent, and will also explain other key aspects of the gameplay in detail.

Original games bring innovative ideas, while their clones successfully gain popularity due to their attention to player needs, becoming an excellent starting point for getting acquainted with the genre. In some cases, clones can even completely replace the originals, providing an accessible and engaging gaming experience.

Cities: Skylines was put into development after the unsuccessful release of the last SimCity in 2013, which caused disappointment among players. Meanwhile, the horror game Layers of Fear was created thanks to the efforts of fans of P.T., who were upset by its removal from the PlayStation Store and the cancellation of Hideo Kojima's Silent Hills project. These examples demonstrate how failures in the gaming industry can inspire developers to create new, successful projects.

These games emerged not only due to a vacant market niche, but also under the influence of the overall state of the gaming market. Current trends and player needs played a key role in shaping this segment.

How a New Wave of Copycats Was Born

Modern game clones are developing in a very different context compared to the Doom and Grand Theft Auto imitators that emerged in the 1990s and 2000s. Since the early 2010s, the gaming industry has experienced a number of significant changes that have laid the foundation for the current success of clones. These changes include the evolution of technology, changing player preferences, and the rise of mobile platforms. All this has contributed to the creation of numerous clones that adapt successful game mechanics and styles to new market conditions, attracting a wider audience and providing diversity in the gaming environment.

Among all the crises and revolutions, there is one key event that paved the way for significant changes in the entertainment industry. This is the emergence of digital platforms for distributing video games. These platforms have radically changed the way games are accessed, allowing developers to directly interact with players and providing a wide selection of content. Thanks to digital platforms, video game distribution has become more accessible and efficient, which has contributed to the growth of gaming culture and the development of innovative technologies in this area.

In 2003, Valve launched the Steam platform with the aim of simplifying the installation of patches for its games, as well as for the sale of the iconic title Half-Life 2. However, Steam's useful features quickly attracted the attention of third-party developers, who began actively using it to distribute their games and updates. Steam has become a vital tool in the gaming industry, changing the way we distribute and interact with players.

By 2011, Steam's user base reached 40 million users, making it, along with other services like Xbox Live Arcade, a vital distribution channel for indie games. These platforms eliminated traditional limitations associated with physical media, such as the need to invest in manufacturing discs or cartridges. This opened up new opportunities for developers, allowing them to publish their games more quickly and easily, which in turn contributed to the diversity of content on the market. Indie games became more accessible to a wider audience, fueling interest in independent projects and changing the landscape of the gaming industry.

Xbox Live Arcade became the launch platform for the first indie hits, releasing iconic titles like Super Meat Boy, Fez, and Braid. Similarly, Steam opened the door to a wider audience of indie developers, introducing popular titles like Shovel Knight and Stardew Valley. These platforms have played a key role in popularizing indie games, giving developers the opportunity to bring their ideas to players and create unique gaming experiences.

Stardew Valley was born from game designer Eric Barone's desire to create his own interpretation of the Harvest Moon series, known for its farming simulators. At the same time, Shovel Knight pays homage to classic NES action games, including hits like Mega Man and Zelda. These games not only evoke the spirit of bygone eras but also bring fresh ideas to the genre, offering players a unique experience.

Had these games been released in the era of physical media, their popularity would likely have been significantly lower. This isn't just due to high development costs or competition from larger gaming companies. Platforms like Steam offer a wide range of tools that facilitate interaction between players and indie game developers. These services provide access to an audience, make it easy to share content, and create opportunities to promote unique projects, which in turn contributes to the growing popularity of indie games in the modern gaming space.

In 2014, Valve released a Steam update known as Discovery, which introduced a user recommendation feature. This update allowed players to receive personalized suggestions for new games based on their previous purchases and gaming experiences. To improve the accuracy of recommendations, Steam has begun using tags that identify game genres, features, and settings. Thus, users were given the opportunity to discover new projects that match their interests and preferences.

On the Dark Souls game page, you can find a feed featuring other hardcore dark fantasy action RPGs. If you're looking for games with local multiplayer for playing with friends, simply click the corresponding tag, and Steam will offer you a list of titles with this feature. You can also customize the filters in the menu to find, for example, a 2D roguelike with co-op mode. This approach will help you easily discover interesting games that suit your preferences and playstyle.

New tools have significantly simplified the process of finding niche games. Previously, players had to independently explore gaming websites and specialized forums to find interesting titles. Modern services now automatically suggest games similar to your favorites, making your search more efficient and convenient.

Developers can effectively use tags to analyze future niches and assess their potential. For example, the roguelike Backpack Hero, released several years ago, attracted players thanks to its unique resource management mechanics. In 2024, the multiplayer autobattler Backpack Battles adopted this mechanic and was able to introduce it to a wider audience, demonstrating the importance of studying successful game elements to create in-demand projects.

Nowadays, independent projects don't have to compete with major publishers for shelf space. Each has its own unique digital storefront on Steam. This allows games like BattleBit Remastered to compete on equal terms with more established titles like Battlefield 2042. Thus, the Steam digital platform creates a level playing field for all developers, regardless of their size or budget, which promotes diversity and competition in the gaming market.

Clone games can have certain advantages, especially thanks to services with a subscription function. In the face of studio closures and massive layoffs, the question of whether this distribution model justifies its costs is increasingly debated. Nevertheless, thanks to subscription services, many clone games have been able to attract a wider audience, which contributes to their popularity and accessibility for players.

With a PlayStation Plus subscription, players were able to try Nioh, a game inspired by the Dark Souls series, but set in medieval Japan. The Game Pass subscription, in turn, offers projects such as Lies of P and Another Crab’s Treasure. It also features PlateUp!, a roguelike game reminiscent of Overcooked!, and Brotato, which combines the visual style of The Binding of Isaac with the gameplay mechanics of Vampire Survivors.

Having games in the Xbox library gives users a unique opportunity to try them without additional costs. Even if the player does not plan to purchase them, access to such games can encourage them to test new genres and projects, which in turn can lead to unexpected discoveries. Thus, the Xbox library not only saves money but also expands the horizons of the gaming experience.

Adam Millard notes that clones in the modern gaming industry are no longer the exclusive property of indie developers and small studios with limited resources. Nowadays, even large developers are imitating successful projects, creating gaming blockbusters. This phenomenon indicates that the desire to repeat popular ideas has become a common practice in the industry, which affects the diversity and innovation in games.

The Far Cry, Assassin's Creed, Horizon, and Ghost of Tsushima series, as well as Hogwarts Legacy, share similar elements despite their unique settings. All utilize an open-world structure, allowing players to freely explore game environments. Progression systems in these games allow for character development and skill advancement, fostering deeper engagement. Crafting mechanics allow players to create and upgrade items, adding an element of strategy and creativity. While these projects vary in their storytelling techniques, they all strive to immerse players in a world rich with plot twists and engaging quests.

Today, developing large-scale projects requires significant financial investment, making it impossible for their creators to deviate from accepted standards. As a result, many blockbuster games are forced to borrow ideas from both recent indie releases and their AAA competitors. This leads to innovation in game design becoming rare, and developers more often choose proven mechanics, which can negatively impact the diversity and originality of game products.

The Marvel's Spider-Man series largely replicates elements present in the Batman: Arkham series. The Star Wars Jedi duology borrows key mechanics from Dark Souls and Sekiro, creating a unique gaming experience. Apex Legends can be considered an improved version of PUBG: Battlegrounds, offering players more dynamic and balanced gameplay. At the same time, Skull & Bones feels like a poor attempt to copy the successful ideas of Sea of ​​Thieves, which makes it less appealing to adventure game fans.

A significant difference between AAA clones and indie copycats is the significant difference in price. If there are no other significant differences, the question arises: why overpay?

Why do we need clone games?

After analyzing the previous chapter, we can draw an alarming conclusion about the state of the gaming industry: developers seem to have exhausted their supply of original ideas, and as a result, there is a tendency to copy existing concepts. This raises concerns that the new generation of games may fail to offer innovative solutions and fresh approaches, which will negatively affect player interest and the development of the entire industry.

In fact, the situation is quite different. Unusual and innovative projects continue to appear on the market. For example, this winter, Balatro was released - a poker-themed roguelike card game that earned a million dollars in just eight hours after its launch. This success underscores the relevance and interest in new gaming concepts, demonstrating that innovation in the gaming industry still has great potential to attract audiences and generate revenue.

Games like Balatro don't emerge in isolation. Renowned game critic Yahtzee emphasizes that new, original ideas emerge when developers take familiar game mechanics and adapt them to a new context. This creates a unique gaming experience that simultaneously evokes nostalgia and offers a fresh perspective. Importantly, such approaches contribute to the development of the gaming industry by inspiring other developers to experiment with established concepts.

The main challenge with innovative projects is that reimagining familiar mechanics requires that they first become familiar to users. In this context, clones play a vital role. These games, despite their apparent banality, create the foundation for future innovation. They allow players to become familiar with core concepts and mechanics, which subsequently opens the way for bolder and more original solutions in the gaming industry. Thus, clones don't simply copy; they create an environment in which true revolutions are possible.

Mark Brown, creator of the popular YouTube channel Game Maker's Toolkit, explores the evolution of first-person shooters, showing how they transformed from simple Doom imitations to a complex and distinct genre. In his videos, he analyzes the key design elements that contributed to the development of the category, and considers the influence of various projects on the formation of unique mechanics and styles. Brown clearly demonstrates how innovation and creativity on the part of developers led to the creation of exciting and varied gaming experiences.

• The release of a groundbreaking and commercially successful game. In this case, we are talking about Doom, as well as its predecessor, Wolfenstein 3D.
• The emergence of copycats. These games copy the original in everything except the setting and a few details. These include Duke Nukem, with its talking protagonist, and Marathon, which devoted much more time to developing the lore and plot.
• Clone creators are deciding on increasingly radical changes. In particular, Half-Life abandoned the mechanics of keys, illusory walls, and other attributes of Doom, and instead acquired a cinematic narrative and companion characters.
• A new genre is born. The Doom clones released in the late 1990s were already so diverse that they shared only two common features with the original: shooting mechanics and a first-person view. Therefore, a new term was coined for them, which is still used today - first-person shooters.

Game genres can be thought of as creative interpretations of the Ship of Theseus concept. Initially, they try to adhere as closely to the original as possible, but over time, they begin to modify key elements. As a result, new games begin to develop independently of their predecessors, retaining only a few common features. This process demonstrates how innovation and creativity can lead to the creation of unique game worlds that, although based on previous ideas, become independent and self-sufficient.

Each of today's popular genres has likely gone through this cycle, with some variations.

Roguelikes followed the Rogue formula for nearly 30 years, emulating its turn-based gameplay, top-down perspective, ASCII art, and other key elements. However, in 2008, game designer Derek Yu pioneered an innovative approach by combining two core aspects of roguelikes—procedural generation and permadeath—with platformer mechanics. This marked a significant step in the genre's evolution, opening new horizons for players and game creators.

The result was Spelunky, which brought the roguelike genre out of the shadows of its predecessors and opened it up to a new generation of players and developers. Soon, the market was flooded with titles offering diverse interpretations of the genre. Games like The Binding of Isaac, Dead Cells, Slay the Spire, and Crypt of the NecroDancer share a common element of randomness and the need to start over after a character's death. These projects demonstrated how to diversify gameplay and create unique experiences for players, which contributed to the popularization of the roguelike genre.

Roguelikes have become the basis for many modern games, and their success largely depends on the influence of roguelike classics. Derek Yu, inspired by games like NetHack, decided to create Spelunky to combine the best elements of these games in a new format. His goal was to adapt the random generation mechanics and challenging gameplay that made Spelunky a cult project.

The history of roguelikes, like many other genres, has a cyclical nature. After a significant breakthrough in the early 2010s, the genre quickly became filled with new clichés. One such element was metaprogression – a system that allows you to save part of your progress between runs, including character stats and weapons. This element was originally designed to make roguelikes more accessible to newcomers. However, in more recent successful games in the genre, metaprogression has been reimagined and used as a creative device to add depth and variety to gameplay. This change has opened up new horizons for developers and players, making roguelikes more engaging and exciting.

Hades uses metaprogression to tell the story of the son of the ancient Greek god Hades, who seeks to escape the underworld. Balatro, meanwhile, uses this mechanic to continually expand a deck, allowing classic poker hands to reach absurd extremes. Metaprogression in both games not only enriches gameplay but also deepens storylines, creating a unique experience for players.

Vampire Survivors stands out for its radical approach to gameplay. In this game, permadeath only matters within a single level, creating a unique experience for players. Procedural level generation plays a de-emphasized role, and metaprogression becomes a core element of gameplay. Improving stats, unlocking new characters, and learning ability combinations are essential to succeeding in the final boss fight. This emphasis on character development and strategy makes Vampire Survivors appealing to fans of dynamic and deep games.

Vampire Survivors can hardly be called a roguelike, as Luca Galante's game created a unique direction in the gaming industry. Numerous imitators have already appeared on its basis, including Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, a spin-off of the popular game Deep Rock Galactic. Modern survivor-like games continue to develop the formula proposed by the original, testing its strength. However, over time, these games will be able to emerge from the shadow of their predecessor and form an independent genre that will attract the attention of players with its unique approach and mechanics.

This brings us to the topic of "No Rest for the Wicked".

What does No Rest for the Wicked have to do with it?

At first glance, the Moon Studios game is perceived as another imitation of the Dark Souls series, but it offers a unique isometric perspective. This allows players to immerse themselves in a world full of challenging enemies and intricate locations, while maintaining the signature elements that make Dark Souls so memorable. Moon Studios emphasizes exploration and a strategic approach to combat, making gameplay not only engaging but also demanding attention and tactics. A protagonist with the ability to respawn infinitely is present in the game. A stamina bar is also implemented. Save points, similar to bonfires and lanterns, play a vital role in gameplay. No Rest for the Wicked offers a unique combination of these elements, and the leveling system is reminiscent of mechanics used in FromSoftware games. This game offers players the opportunity to deeply immerse themselves in the atmosphere, combining elements of survival and role-playing gameplay.

At the beginning of our discussion, we mentioned the influence of the Diablo series. The Moon Studios team borrowed the concept of randomized loot with varying rarity from this franchise. This mechanic significantly enriches the gameplay, creating a unique experience and increasing interest in exploring the game world. Randomized loot not only adds an element of surprise but also contributes to the creation of a variety of tactical approaches in the game.

In No Rest for the Wicked, there is no temptation to save the starting armor until the very end, as can be seen in Dark Souls. Instead, the game encourages players to regularly find unique weapons and equipment with improved stats. This creates motivation to experiment with different playstyles and tactics, which makes the process more engaging and varied. The ability to customize your equipment allows you to adapt to different situations and opponents, which in turn enriches the gaming experience.

Soulslike developers often use familiar mechanics, placing them in a new context. This approach allows them to create a unique gaming experience by combining familiar elements with innovative ideas. Such tricks not only help attract players but also maintain interest in the genre by offering new challenges and opportunities for exploration.

In No Rest For The Wicked, enemies do not respawn after you visit a checkpoint; they only return when you exit the location. Unused experience is not lost upon death, but equipment loses some of its durability, and repairs are significant. This creates an additional need for careful play, making the process more tense compared to other Soulslike games.

In No Rest For The Wicked, the healing mechanic is implemented differently. There are no Estus Flasks. Health is restored through mushrooms, berries, and fruits found throughout the levels, as well as through food cooked over a fire. Thus, the game combines elements of survival, and a significant part of the loot consists of ingredients for crafting.

The storytelling in this title differs significantly from FromSoftware's work. Instead of an archaeological narrative that gradually compiles information about lost kingdoms, we encounter a full-fledged fantasy epic, reminiscent of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and Shakespeare's tragedies. This approach allows for deeper immersion in a world filled with complex characters and multi-layered conflicts, making the story more rich and engaging.

The isometric perspective in games like Diablo can sometimes make it difficult to perceive the multi-level architecture of levels. With a fixed camera, players have a hard time navigating the maze of corridors and staircases. This can lead to confusion and navigation difficulties, especially in complex locations. Properly integrating an isometric perspective with multi-story structures requires careful consideration to ensure players have comfortable control and a clear perception of space.

Randomized loot often creates more problems than benefits. Since players cannot predict in advance what exactly they will get, planning a specific build becomes a challenge. This leads to the need to improvise based on the items already found. As a result, players may face difficulty in creating an optimal strategy and an effective character.

For the purposes of this discussion, the specific shortcomings of No Rest for the Wicked lose their significance. Much more important is that it actively seeks to rethink the established principles of the Soulslike genre. This indicates that the genre is gradually evolving and moving beyond its original format.

Lords of the Fallen was a prime example of the evolution of the action RPG genre. The first version, released in 2014, largely copied elements of Dark Souls, which made it popular, but not unique. Unlike its predecessor, the 2023 reboot introduces new gameplay mechanics that allow players to switch between the world of the living and the world of the dead. This innovative approach expands exploration and interaction with the environment, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. Thus, Lords of the Fallen 2023 not only preserves the spirit of the original but also brings fresh ideas, making the game more appealing to a wider audience.

Experiments in this field have so far yielded limited results, but it is possible that in the future, some developers will be able to reimagine the genre in a way that will lead them to become recognized innovators. These changes could open new horizons and inspire further transformations in the industry.

Demon's Souls became the basis for the Dark Souls series. It featured a unique combat system, complex locations with many secrets and illusory walls, and a mysterious plot in a post-apocalyptic setting. Almost all the characteristic features of soulslikes can be found in the first part of the Legend of Zelda series. Game designer Hidetaka Miyazaki adapted these elements, integrating them into the structure of an action RPG, which created a unique gaming experience.

Copycat games are a generally positive phenomenon in the gaming industry. Game genres often build on the achievements of major companies that changed the face of video games. However, these giants rely on less visible works—a multitude of clones that don't revolutionize the genre but gradually lay the groundwork for future innovations and breakthroughs. These games may be unnoticed, but they play a vital role in the evolution of genres and the formation of new ideas.