For enthusiasts of indie games, Thunder Lotus Games is synonymous with their acclaimed title, Spiritfarer. This cozy management game, which delves into themes of death and the afterlife, achieved remarkable commercial success, selling millions since its 2020 debut. However, looking back through the studio’s diverse catalog reveals a penchant for exploring various genres. Their latest venture, 33 Immortals, embarks on yet another unique path, this time centering around the dark narrative of “fighting to escape the circles of hell” —a theme intriguingly at odds with Spiritfarer.
While large-scale multiplayer games and roguelikes featuring meta progression and precision combat are not new, 33 Immortals innovatively fuses these elements into a singular experience. This cooperative dungeon diver roguelike aims to simplify the typical raid process, making it accessible yet engaging. Players can expect to join forces in sessions with dozens of participants, each competing for loot and camaraderie as they navigate this hellish landscape.
33 Immortals: A Cooperative Challenge
At the heart of 33 Immortals lies your role as a nameless, forsaken soul, determined to rebel against fate and battle divine powers across Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. The lore remains sparse, with most players likely diving straight into the action rather than absorbing extensive dialogues or narrative pages. Here, the focus shifts away from a cinematic experience, acknowledging that many action game fans prefer thrilling gameplay over a narrative-heavy approach.
Each session accommodates a maximum of 33 players, highlighting the necessity of teamwork—individual avatars are inherently weak, but with collaboration and strategic coordination, even the might of Hell can be defeated. During my early access playthrough, the challenges proved legitimate; navigating through various boss encounters with my teammates often resulted in defeat, especially against the formidable Lucifer.
Combat Mechanics and Progression
The sanctuary known as the Dark Woods acts as a hub where players can select weaponry, acquire perks, and improve their characters using loot gathered from previous runs. At launch, players can choose from four distinct weapons—sword, bow, daggers, and staff—each offering varying playstyles and abilities. My personal favorite quickly became the bow due to its dynamic attack capabilities, including both swift and powerful strikes that can pull back arrows for added damage.
One of the perks featured significantly in my runs was a cooldown reduction on dodging, which enhanced my agility and offensive potential during chaotic battles. There were noticeable differences in playability when this perk was active versus when it wasn’t, as evidenced by the long cooldown times that caused gameplay to feel sluggish. Fortunately, Thunder Lotus appears attentive to player feedback; a day-one patch aims to permanently reduce the dodge cooldown and introduce new perks, addressing concerns related to initial progression challenges.
While the chaos of action is undeniably intense, the game aptly minimizes distractions by hiding most projectile effects from other players, thereby enhancing situational awareness and dodging capabilities—essential for survival in nail-biting encounters reminiscent of bullet-hell games.
Exploring the Depths
My exploration focused mainly on the initial map, Hell. Progression to Purgatory hinges on acquiring special keys, a quest that proved challenging due to the heightened enemy tiers. This region holds its own unique boss duo, while the anticipated heavenly dungeon promises an ultimate confrontation against divine foes for those who persevere. The developers have crafted an immersive environment that entices exploration, with copious treasures, boss battles, and Torture Chambers scattered throughout—each offering chances to prove one’s worth against Hell’s denizens.
The relationships formed during gameplay are a key aspect of 33 Immortals. Every demise prompts strategic thinking for the next attempt, as players seek not just to improve individually, but also to uplift their fellow immortals. Engaging in teamwork can lead to exhilarating victories against formidable foes, especially when summoned by fellow players in dire situations, transforming the odds in your group’s favor.
Multiplayer Mayhem
Facilitating cooperation is paramount in 33 Immortals, showcasing mechanics that bolster teamwork. Healing points, for example, heal nearby allies, encouraging group strategies over solitary efforts. Class-specific co-op abilities add depth to group play; these allow players to activate powerful runes that require synchronization amidst surviving relentless enemy assaults.
However, finding a balance among players of varying skill levels can be amusing and chaotic. Even amidst organized parties, the unpredictability of individual players ensures chaotic fun. Ressurection mechanics allow downed players to rejoin the fray as long as they’re revived in time, lending a sense of urgency to cooperation.
Challenges in Early Access
Despite its alluring cooperative gameplay and grand concept, some issues stem from being an early access title. The limited content, with only two maps available, may frustrate avid roguelike fans eager for more variety. The promise of future content, including a heavenly realm, is enticing but far off, leaving initial players eager for more immediate experiences.
Technical limitations, such as a bare-bones options menu lacking graphics settings and missing control remapping features, detract from the overall experience. Additionally, current matchmaking supports only four-player parties, which can feel restrictive in a game designed around larger cooperative gameplay.
Final Thoughts
33 Immortals takes a bold leap away from the tranquil themes of Spiritfarer, immersing players into the chaotic allure of intense cooperative multiplayer. While it steers clear of the narrative depth showcased in games like Hades, the emphasis on multiplayer cooperation distinctively positions it within the genre, appealing to those seeking action and teamwork.
Encountering fellow players, collaborating on challenges, and forming transient bonds during heated encounters creates a unique gaming atmosphere that is both rewarding and addictive. With promising mechanics and an engaging core loop, 33 Immortals stands as a compelling entry into the roguelike genre, even as it navigates the bumps of early access.
Set to launch on March 18 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, including availability on Xbox Game Pass, 33 Immortals could be a significant title for cooperative multiplayer enthusiasts. As for the game’s price, the studio promises further details upon official release, which may influence the overall reception.
This review is based on a pre-release version provided by Thunder Lotus Games and Microsoft, played on a Windows PC.
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