A First-Person Roguelike with a Heavenly Hook
Mortal Sin is a chaotic first-person roguelike that punches well above its weight. Developed by Nikola Todorovic, a solo creator, the game has earned “overwhelmingly positive” reviews on Steam for good reason. It foregoes flashy story cinematics and bloated systems for a singular, laser-focused gameplay loop: brutal, stylish, and profoundly satisfying melee combat.
There are games you play, and then there are games you survive.
Mortal Sin doesn’t let you relax; it grabs you by the collar, slams you face-first into a fluorescent dungeon nightmare, and dares you to crawl back out.
It’s a roguelike, yes. But calling it “just another roguelike” is like calling a chainsaw “just another gardening tool.”
The Art of Annihilation
The first thing that grabs you about Mortal Sin is its striking visual style.
It’s a world drenched in a stark, high-contrast comic-book aesthetic reminiscent of a forgotten graphic novel from the ’80s.
The vibrant reds, deep blacks, and gritty textures give the game an oppressive yet mesmerizing atmosphere.
While some players might find the visuals jarring initially, the art style enhances the gameplay by making enemies and traps stand out and creating a cohesive, purposeful world.
The ability to customize color palettes is a thoughtful touch that allows players to tailor the nightmare to their liking.
Style That Burns into Your Retinas
Visually, Mortal Sin feels like someone deep-fried a comic book panel, dipped it in neon acid, and set it on fire — yet it’s stunning.
The recent Realistic Visuals Update lets you swap between the original pulp-horror aesthetic and a grittier, more modern look. Both feel like fever dreams and hurt in the best way.
It doesn’t just look unique; it feels unique, too. Every slash, severed limb, and stomp is a brushstroke in a painting of gore and desperation.
The Combat That Kicks Back
At the core of Mortal Sin is its incredible combat system. It’s a brutal, skill-based melee system where every hit feels impactful and visceral.
The key mechanic is dismemberment, reminiscent of games like Dead Space—you must strategically hack off limbs to defeat foes.
The controls are simple, but the depth comes from chaining together various moves into flashy and satisfying combos, such as slashes, kicks, parries, and charged attacks.
With an extensive arsenal of greatswords, axes, and magic weapons, each with its unique feel, the combat never gets old. It’s a rewarding system that prioritizes player skill and tactical thinking over mindless button mashing.
This is melee combat with no safety net. Weapons crunch with bone-snapping force, kicks pulverize enemies, and death lurks just behind your shoulder at all times.
It’s not just about button mashing — it’s about momentum. Surviving a fight means chaining moves, maintaining your rhythm, and never slowing down. Stumble once, and the game will rip you apart without apology.
It’s punishing but also intoxicating. It’s the kind of combat that makes you want to risk “just one more run” until the sun rises outside your window.
A Roguelike by Any Other Name
As a roguelike, Mortal Sin is both traditional and unique. Its procedurally generated dungeons ensure endless replayability, and with over a dozen playable classes, each run feels different.
However, its approach to progression is what sets it apart.
While there are permanent unlocks, the game emphasizes player mastery more.
You don’t necessarily get stronger between runs. Instead, you get better at the game itself.
This design philosophy can be punishing for newcomers, but those who embrace the challenge will find that every victory feels well-earned.
Like any worthwhile roguelike, Mortal Sin thrives on the cycle of death and rebirth. Each run offers a unique combination of weapons, perks, and enemies.
While some roguelikes force you to grind to make progress, every attempt in Mortal Sin feels like a dare to improve — or perish trying.
And perish you will—a lot.
But each death feels earned, like a brutal teacher whispering, “Next time, swing faster.”
Mortal Sin doesn’t hold your hand. It rips your hand off and beats you with it. And yet, you’ll thank it for the lesson.
A Few Sins to Confess
No game is without its flaws. The game’s sound design is functional but mixed. The lack of ambient music in some areas makes the world feel empty.
Additionally, some attack sound effects don’t match the brutality of the visuals. The limited save system can also be inconvenient for players who prefer to stop a run mid-dungeon.
However, these are minor issues in an otherwise excellent game.
Final Verdict
Mortal Sin is a must-play for fans of challenging roguelike action games.
Its unique, cohesive art style and phenomenal melee combat system set it apart in a crowded genre.
Its focus on player skill and the replayability of its procedural dungeons ensure that you can sink dozens of hours into it without getting bored.
While it may not be for the faint of heart, Mortal Sin is a truly special indie title that delivers a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for comfort food, look elsewhere.
But if you’re looking for chaos, carnage, and beauty intertwined, Mortal Sin is one of the best roguelikes of the year — perhaps even the decade.
It’s a game that will leave you battered, bruised, and grinning through bloodstained teeth.
A cozy bloodbath.
A perfect nightmare.
