Introduction

Roguelikes are always a mixed bag for me. Most tend to follow the same repetitive themes, rarely innovating and often becoming clones of other big titles like Hades, Enter the Gungeon, or The Binding of Isaac. That’s why I was intrigued when a game called GODBREAKERS entered my path, branding itself as a co-op hack-and-slash with roguelike elements. My gamer soul awoke. I downloaded GODBREAKERS on PS5, grabbed my controller, and began my journey. Is GODBREAKERS the next big action roguelike that others will take notes from—or just another clone blending into the crowd? Time to find out in my full review of GODBREAKERS for the PS5!

Gameplay

Formed from three powerful god-like entities dubbed the Coven, you play as a warrior tasked with stopping a powerful being known as The Monad, whose goal is to destroy the Sun. Armed with a deadly arsenal and a unique ability to devour enemies’ powers, your mission won’t be easy—but it’s one you’re built for. GODBREAKERS wastes no time throwing you into the chaos, though the premise is straightforward: defeat several bosses to reach the final one. Just don’t expect that to be a walk in the park.

At its core, GODBREAKERS is a third-person action hack-and-slash with roguelike elements. Initially, players can only choose between two Archetypes—essentially weapon classes—a spear-like weapon and a massive pillar. As you progress, new Archetypes unlock, each offering distinct play styles and special moves. The real fun begins when you leave your hub, venture into the worlds, and take on their powerful bosses.

Combat revolves around chaining together normal, special, and heavy attacks. Players can combo with various weapons, using each weapon’s special move. For instance, dual swords allow multi-directional slashes, the spear fires energy arcs, and dual fists unleash a rapid barrage reminiscent of a JoJo-style beatdown. Movement and dodging are key, as you’ll want to avoid taking hits that drain your limited healing items. Power-ups scattered throughout runs grant passive boosts—like increased critical hits, poison effects, or damage reflection—but you’ll need to be strategic, as you can only equip a few at a time. Like any good roguelike, death means learning and adapting for your next run.

You’ll also collect Echoes, the in-game currency, to unlock permanent stat boosts and abilities via the Coven’s hub. One of the game’s most unique features is the Godbreak ability. Before delivering a final blow, some enemies allow you to steal their power and use it as a devastating special attack. For example, enemies that fire lasers can be Godbroken to grant you that same ability—perfect for wiping out groups. Another lets you unleash a massive punch that delivers huge damage and grants invincibility frames. The only downside? These powers are single-use only. Once you expend them, you’ll need to find another enemy with the same power. It’s reminiscent of classic Castlevania sub-weapons—potent, but fleeting.

Boss battles are where GODBREAKERS truly shines. Each boss has unique attack patterns and quirks, forcing you to study, adapt, and preserve your resources. Once you defeat a world’s boss, you immediately move on to the next realm—no safe return to the hub. This keeps the pressure high and every victory satisfying.

As for co-op, GODBREAKERS allows up to four players to take on The Monad together. Unfortunately, there’s no matchmaking system, meaning you’ll need to know others who own the game to enjoy multiplayer. Developer To The Sky really should add matchmaking options, but solo play remains fully functional and rewarding—perfect for roguelike purists who prefer the challenge.

Graphics

Visually, GODBREAKERS looks solid, though not groundbreaking. The character designs are impressive, blending sci-fi and futuristic aesthetics that match the game’s tone. Enemy and boss designs are creative and visually distinct, which helps each encounter feel fresh. However, the environmental backgrounds fall short. Most worlds share similar layouts and rely on palette swaps—a poison planet oozes with toxic hues, a colosseum bleeds red tones, and so on. While functional, it lacks the visual variety found in other roguelikes. Still, the game’s fluid animations and clear readability keep the focus on fast-paced combat rather than spectacle, which works for its gameplay-first design.

Sound

What surprised me most about GODBREAKERS was its voice acting. The Coven’s members deliver funny and memorable lines, often reacting to your victories—or defeats—with hilarious remarks. Boss dialogue also adds personality and depth to each encounter. The soundtrack, while functional and adrenaline-fueled, isn’t particularly memorable. It complements the action but never stands out. Still, the voice work elevates the overall presentation and keeps the world engaging between fights.

Story

At first glance, GODBREAKERS seems to have a simple, straightforward plot. Upon starting, there’s little narrative context, but as you explore and uncover lore, the game reveals its deeper storytelling ambitions. Through hidden lore boxes scattered across the worlds, you learn about humanity’s downfall—how humans created AI entities like The Monad, only to be overthrown by their own machines. It’s a familiar theme, but one handled subtly, through environmental storytelling and boss dialogue. While GODBREAKERS won’t win awards for narrative complexity, it’s enough to keep players invested in the world’s mythos and their role in it.

Overall Impression

GODBREAKERS is best described as a clever, fast-paced roguelike that blends classic gameplay with unique mechanics. It’s not perfect, but it’s undeniably fun. The combination of combat variety, boss design, and the satisfying Godbreak system makes for an experience that stands apart from many genre clones. With a bit more polish—especially in visuals and co-op features—this could easily be one of the more memorable roguelikes of the year. For now, it’s a hidden gem that roguelike fans should keep an eye on.

Conclusion

Developer To The Sky deserves recognition for creating something refreshing with GODBREAKERS. It’s not perfect, and some systems could be refined, but despite its rough edges, I genuinely had a blast playing it—and still do. Each run teaches you something new, every death inspires you to improve, and experimenting with different Archetypes keeps the gameplay loop engaging. GODBREAKERS earns an easy recommendation for action roguelike fans who crave a challenge and a touch of originality in the genre.

—Aaron