Rogue Legacy 2 is the most solid rogue-like on the market. If you're someone who is into dipping into a randomized dungeon, using what you find there to get a little stronger, and then doing it over and over again, this game is for you.

It's set in a fantasy world. It's got humor. It doesn't take itself too seriously while simultaneously spooning out a 2-D world full of danger, surprises, and delight on a platter of sound mechanics and joy.

Just like the first Rogue Legacy, Rogue Legacy 2's core loop is encapsulated in a genealogical story, meaning that when you die in the game's dungeon, your next run will be completed by your former character's next of kin. Each of these generations of adventurers identifies as one of fifteen unlockable classes with their own weapon and "talent." A talent is a special move that sometimes costs mana, a resource that lets characters cast magic and is replenished when you bash enemies. Defeating enemies with each class also awards "Mastery ranks" that make individual classes stronger.

This progression system rewards specialization while not guaranteeing that your favorite class will be available for each run, as after you die you are presented with three randomized options for your next adventurer, each with their own class and traits, unique modifiers that change the way both you - the player - and your character interact with the world.

The basic enemies in the game are fairly punishing but with predictable rhythms. Probably the toughest part about them is that, if you touch one, you take damage on default settings, but this can be turned off easily in the menu to make the game more approachable. Bosses are similarly difficult but meant to reflect the relative level at which your upgrades should be in order to beat them. Therefore, if you progress to a boss and run up against a wall while fighting it time and time again, the game is hinting that you should probably go grind for coins to buy more upgrades and slay more enemies to increase your class's rank before returning for your shot at victory. Classic rogue-like.

Rogue Legacy 2's progression mechanics are straightforward, and the game is very easy to pick up and play. There is a bunch to do in the game's dungeon, including special quests and unlockable areas that reward exploration and creativity. My only knock against it is that, in order to progress past the ~4 hour mark you have to sift through a confusing quest journal type thing that the game doesn't introduce in its tutorial to find the hidden secrets of the castle based on what the spirits in these little blue orb things tell you in roundabout ways across multiple runs.

The story is interesting, if obtuse. The music is pretty good, and the art is great for what the designers of the game are going for. As with any rogue-like, stepping out for a walk will be necessary at times because this thing can get repetitive.

Overall, it's a foundational rogue-like with all the bells and whistles for longtime fans and masters of the genre while being approachable and fun enough for new players. I'd recommend it. 7/10.

Where it shines:

• Well-written (with quips-galore)
• Straightforward progression mechanics
• Cute lineage system
• Challenging yet approachable

Where it fades:

• Lots of reading in places where it's not fun to slow down and read
• Lack of controlled specialization option