Review: The Rangers in the South
Image Credit: DPA Studios, The Rangers in the South
In the sprawling world of indie games, The Rangers in the South steps forward as a roguelike action RPG promising charming graphics, rapid gameplay, and a light price tag. At $3.99, this is less of a financial commitment than your average cup of coffee (and potentially more energizing if you like yelling at orcs). But is this game worth your time, or is it another pixelated distraction destined for your "Played Once" Steam folder? Let’s dive in.
First Impressions: SNES Nostalgia with a Modern Twist
Right from the start, The Rangers in the South greets you with graphics reminiscent of the golden SNES era. Think 2D sprites walking over 3D backdrops with lighting effects that scream "Look, we’re nostalgic but still modern!" The visuals are clean, and the colors pop. However, the lighting transitions between areas could be smoother—right now, they’re about as subtle as a raccoon in a trash can (and trust me, they’re not subtle).
The gameplay begins with a simple choice: axe and shield, sword and bow, or other classic combos. Your chosen gear doesn’t lock you into a class, giving you the freedom to experiment. Unfortunately, that experimentation includes a combat system that feels, well, experimental.
Gameplay: Hack, Slash, and... Miss?
Combat is where The Rangers in the South shows both its charm and its cracks. On the positive side, there’s a satisfying loop of leveling up, collecting loot, and chain-killing orcs and rabbits (don’t ask, just roll with it). However, melee combat feels off—hitboxes are weirdly narrow, and attacks often whiff despite clearly connecting. It’s the gaming equivalent of shaking someone’s hand and missing entirely.
Ranged attacks likely fare better, but if you’re like me and enjoy bashing things up close, be prepared for some frustration. The animations are serviceable but lack the fluidity and impact to make combat truly shine. Adding a cleave mechanic or making attacks feel weightier could do wonders here.
Progression: Loot, XP, and Mario Stomps
As you slay enemies, you’ll earn XP and loot to customize your character. Passive abilities like "Internal Bleeding" (don’t worry, it’s for your enemies, not you) and Mario-style stomps add fun twists. The game also rewards creative play, such as chaining kills for bonus XP.
Dungeons provide some variety, but they’re not without their quirks. Enemies occasionally spawn out of bounds, and traps are more annoying than challenging. On the plus side, dungeon rewards include permanent upgrades, like a 5% damage boost for all characters—a satisfying incentive to dive back in.
What Works Well
Visuals and Atmosphere: The retro graphics with modern effects are undeniably charming.
Loot and Customization: Plenty of gear options, with visible changes to your character’s appearance (yes, there’s even a cape).
Price Point: At $3.99, the game’s cost is more bite-sized than its orc bosses.
What Needs Improvement
Hitboxes and Combat Feel: Melee combat desperately needs smoother hit detection and more impactful animations.
Enemy Variety: Orcs and skeletons are fine, but after a while, the lack of unique enemies makes the game feel repetitive.
Sound Design: Weapon sounds lack oomph, leaving combat feeling flat. A good CLANG or THUD could work wonders.
Content Depth: The game is about 4-5 hours long (if you’re good at it). While the developer has a roadmap for future updates, the current offering feels light.
Is It Worth It?
The Rangers in the South feels like a game with great potential but rough edges. It’s fun in bursts, but its issues—particularly the clunky melee combat—hold it back from being truly great. That said, the developer seems committed to improving the game, with plans to add content through 2025 and beyond.
If you’re a fan of roguelikes, retro graphics, or just want something cheap and cheerful, this game is worth a shot. Just keep in mind it’s not polished to perfection—yet.
Final Verdict:
The Rangers in the South is like a budget burrito: it’s tasty and satisfying in the moment, but you’ll notice where they skimped on the guac. For $3.99, it’s hard to go wrong, but keep an eye on future updates. With some polish and content additions, this could become a hidden gem in the indie gaming world.
My advice? Buy it, try it, and maybe shout at some orcs along the way. Just don’t expect it to replace your favorite action RPG—yet.
