The Ouroboros King Review (PlayStation 5)

The Ouroboros King boasts impressive graphics, creating an engaging visual experience for players. The attention to detail in character design, terrain, and animations contributes to the game’s overall appeal. Additionally, the unique blend of chess mechanics with roguelike elements sets The Ouroboros King apart. Players strategize like chess masters while navigating procedurally generated maps, making each run feel fresh and challenging.

The game’s Archives feature is a standout. It allows players to store information on all units, terrain, relics, and items encountered during their playthroughs. This feature enhances the strategic depth, as players can refer back to their knowledge and adjust their approach accordingly. The ability to choose Ouroboros boons at the start of each run—such as starting relics, gold, and enemy parameters—adds an interesting layer of customization.

As players progress through the randomized map, they recruit and place units strategically. The game cleverly resembles chess, with the ultimate goal of obtaining the Queen piece to secure victory. The inclusion of fun relics that alter gameplay dynamics—such as changing piece abilities after every move—keeps the experience fresh and engaging.

The game’s gradual progression system, where players earn cash and spend it in shops, provides a satisfying loop. Upgrading pieces and encountering challenging boss fights add to the sense of accomplishment. Overall, The Ouroboros King offers a unique and memorable gaming experience that serves as a brain workout for strategy enthusiasts.

Despite its strengths, The Ouroboros King has some notable drawbacks. First and foremost, the lack of a tutorial or clear instructions can be frustrating for new players. Starting a run without understanding the game’s mechanics can lead to confusion, especially when dealing with complex menus and controls.

The slow-paced nature of the game may not appeal to everyone. Some players might find it too leisurely, especially if they prefer faster-paced gameplay. Additionally, the absence of music or atmospheric elements detracts from the overall immersion. A more robust audio experience could enhance the game’s ambiance.

The menus, unfortunately, are clunky and unintuitive. Navigating them can be a chore, and the lack of control remapping options is a missed opportunity. While some players appreciate having everything unlocked from the start, others may miss the sense of progression during runs. Finally, the practice mode feels somewhat redundant, as it mainly involves placing and moving pieces without clear objectives.

Overall, The Ouroboros King offers a deep and rewarding experience for strategy enthusiasts. Its unique blend of chess and roguelike mechanics, impressive graphics, and thoughtful features make it stand out. However, the lack of tutorials, slow pacing, and menu issues hinder the overall enjoyment. Players seeking a brain-teasing challenge will find much to appreciate, but those looking for a faster-paced game may need to adjust their expectations. The bottom line is the game has a slow on-ramp but once it clicks it is a fantastic chess roguelike game.