Lost In Random PS5 Review. When I saw the first trailer for Lost In Random I was taken in by the world and distinctive art style on show. It was definitely a game that was right up my street. I purchased the game when it released but like many games I buy it got lost to my eternal gaming backlog.
So along comes Lost In Random: The Eternal Die which is not a sequel to the original game but a roguelite spin-off set in the world of Random. My Returnal soaked heart danced at the thought of a rouge style adventure in that intriguing world. I would not allow this one to slip through my thumbs.
Lost In Random: The Eternal Die Review (PS5) – The Queen Enters The Board
Roll The Dice
Players take on the role of Aleksandra, the Queen and ruler of the kingdom of Random from the original game, as she battles an ancient evil and tries to escape the black die. Along with you for the adventure is your living die Fortune who is not only a companion on your quest but a useful weapon you can wield in battle.
The action is fast paced as you make your way through different rooms as you strive to grow your power and skills to dispatch the foes that stand in your way. Initially you will be limited to a sword as your main weapon but as you advance you will unlock an arsenal of armaments with which to hack, slash and bash.
Finding a favourite that fits your favoured playstyle is key as each available weapon offers different strengths and weaknesses. Weapons can also be enhanced further from their base offering with an array of unlocks available for each of them.
At your disposal you will have normal/charged weapon attacks and normal/perfect card attacks. Charged attacks are performed by holding down the attack button but leaves you slightly vulnerable to incoming attacks when charging.
Perfect card attacks can be pulled off by holding and perfectly timing the release of the button, again with the increased exposure to being hit. Also as mentioned, you have the use of your trusty companion, Die, to lob at enemies as a projectile.
Before long you will be duking it out with the bosses at the end of each of the biomes and unleashing a devilish barrage of hurt. The once seemingly impossible defeat of these foes becomes attainable thanks to your developed power, skills and knowledge. Endlessly satisfying!
Playing Your Cards Right
“Die” is in the title of this game and yes you will die… a lot! But the way the systems in this game are so well designed you feel like on every run you make progress. The measure of a good game is when its draw keeps you coming back for more.
The way the story is delivered between runs nullifies any frustration you may carry from failed attempts. A truly excellent cast of characters are brought to life with some top-notch voice acting. Each interaction with the characters is a joy and I looked forward to returning to the sanctuary to uncover more of the tale.
I got to the point where I would know when a run was going sideways and would sacrifice it to focus on what I could do to carry the most benefit forward to the next attempt. A game of chess where patience pays off.
One of the enhancement systems in the game is the equipping of relics and pearls. Colour matching of these in a row of three same colour boost their effect granting stat gains and powers. It’s a fun kind of meta game that gets your brain working in a different way to maximise results.
Risk Reward
In order to get to your goal you don’t necessarily need to clear the whole board. Once you’ve uncovered the exit you are free to proceed. But backtracking across the map and skirting the risk of further attacks and losing more health can lay much reward at your feet.
Picking up some additional health, stat buffs, gold or elements to aid your next run are all on offer for those who brave the unknown.
Showing Your Hand
The game’s controls are extremely responsive, which is much needed when you come up against it in battle. Utilising your dodge along with well timed attacks on top of enhanced skills and weapons will see you inch your way to success. One tip I can offer is to remap the buttons to give you an upper hand. By moving attack to R2 and dodge to L2 you can free up the right thumb from having to operate four face buttons, making you more nimble during the action.
Should you be finding things too difficult, the team has included an “Easy” difficulty where Aleksandra will take progressively less damage following each run.
If you are worried that you have not played the original game then fear not. This is a standalone adventure that is extremely enjoyable and will absolutely pique your interest for the original RPG adventure.
The team at Stormteller Games has poured so much care and attention to detail into this title, treating the source material with the love and passion it deserves. In doing so they have so brilliantly crafted one of the finest spin-off games ever made.
Lost In Random: The Eternal Die launches June 17 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Review code kindly provided by publisher.