Into Evil is making waves in the indie gaming scene, and for good reason. This action roguelike from Mind’s Eye Games takes everything you love about Dark Souls’ punishing difficulty and mashes it with Hotline Miami’s frantic top-down perspective. The result? A game that will test your patience, skill, and sanity in the best possible way.
What Makes Into Evil Different From Other Roguelikes
Let’s be honest – the roguelike market is saturated. But Into Evil stands out by refusing to follow the typical formula. Instead of throwing you into randomly generated levels with basic weapons, this game treats every piece of equipment like a game-changer.
Each weapon in Into Evil has its own unique moveset and hidden abilities. Swords can parry incoming attacks, axes cleave through multiple enemies, and even lanterns continue to shine when stowed away. This isn’t your typical “+2% fire resistance” nonsense – these are meaningful upgrades that actually change how you approach combat.
The Inverted Tower: A Setting That Actually Matters
The game’s setting revolves around The Inverted Tower, a nightmarish structure where servants venture out each night to drag people into its depths. Your job? Descend into this hellscape and stop the horror at its source.
What makes this setting work is how it ties into the gameplay. The tower’s layout changes with each run, but not in a random, meaningless way. Every floor presents new dangers, traps, and enemies that force you to adapt your strategy constantly.
Combat That Demands Respect
Here’s where Into Evil really shows its Dark Souls DNA. Every enemy is a legitimate threat that can end your run if you’re careless. You can’t just button-mash your way through encounters – you need to learn enemy patterns, time your dodges, and use every tool at your disposal.
The game supports up to four players in multiplayer, which adds another layer of chaos to an already intense experience. Whether you’re coordinating attacks or accidentally getting in each other’s way, multiplayer sessions are guaranteed to be memorable.
Why The Difficulty Actually Works
Into Evil is brutally difficult, but it never feels unfair. When you die, it’s because you made a mistake or took an unnecessary risk. The game teaches you through failure, just like the best Souls games do.
The enchantment and curse system adds another wrinkle to the formula. Finding a weapon with dark magic can completely change your playstyle, but curses can just as easily ruin your carefully planned strategy. It’s this constant push and pull between risk and reward that keeps you coming back.
Current State and Availability
Into Evil is available on Steam with a demo you can try right now. The developers at Mind’s Eye Games are actively working on updates and improvements, so expect the experience to keep evolving.
The game has been showcased at events like Gamescom 2024, where it caught the attention of both players and critics. Early access feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with players praising the unique weapon system and challenging gameplay.
Should You Play Into Evil?
If you enjoy challenging games that respect your intelligence, Into Evil deserves a spot on your wishlist. It’s not for everyone – if you get frustrated by difficult games or prefer more casual experiences, you might want to look elsewhere.
But if you’re the type of player who gets satisfaction from overcoming seemingly impossible odds, Into Evil will scratch that itch perfectly. The combination of Dark Souls difficulty with Hotline Miami’s visceral action creates something genuinely special in the roguelike space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is Into Evil available on?
Currently, Into Evil is available on PC through Steam. There’s no word yet on console releases, but the developers may expand to other platforms based on reception.
How long does a typical run take in Into Evil?
Run length varies based on your skill level and how deep you manage to descend into The Inverted Tower. Early runs might last 15-30 minutes, while more successful attempts can stretch longer as you progress deeper.
Is Into Evil playable solo or do you need friends?
Into Evil works perfectly as a single-player experience. The multiplayer support is optional and can accommodate up to four players, but the game is designed to be challenging and enjoyable whether you’re playing alone or with friends.
How difficult is Into Evil compared to other Souls-like games?
Into Evil maintains the punishing difficulty of Souls games but in a different format. The top-down perspective and roguelike structure create their own unique challenges, making direct comparisons difficult. Expect to die frequently while learning the systems.
Does Into Evil have a story or is it just gameplay?
While Into Evil focuses primarily on gameplay, there is an underlying narrative about The Inverted Tower and the evil forces within it. The story unfolds through environmental storytelling and item descriptions, similar to Dark Souls’ approach.
Can I try Into Evil before buying?
Yes, there’s a free demo available on Steam that lets you experience the core gameplay mechanics and get a feel for the difficulty level before making a purchase decision.
Final Thoughts
Into Evil proves that there’s still room for innovation in the crowded roguelike market. By focusing on meaningful weapon diversity, genuine difficulty, and atmospheric world-building, Mind’s Eye Games has created something that feels both familiar and fresh. Whether you’re a Souls veteran or a Hotline Miami fan, this game offers a unique challenge that’s worth experiencing.