From a young age, there had always been a flicker of hope within him—an unconventional dream of one day sprinting at incredible speeds and crashing into a rock, resulting in a catastrophic break of all his bones. While that wasn’t precisely the aspiration 
he held, as a hyperactive child with a vivid imagination, he often found himself during long car rides envisioning an imaginary stick figure racing alongside the traffic or manoeuvring his fingers like tiny legs across various household obstacles. After all, in an era devoid of tablets, he and others had to creatively occupy their minds between episodes of shows like Bamzooki (a title that might require some research for the uninitiated).
Fortunately, Haste: Broken Worlds has arrived to fulfil that whimsical ambition. This roguelike simulator, focused on the delightful chaos of bone-breaking, offers a demo during Steam Next Fest that promises an entertaining experience, even if it comes with a few bumps and bruises.
For those familiar with Descenders, envision that gameplay stripped of bikes and flips; for those who haven’t played it, here’s the rundown. Haste revolves around the art of strategic falling. At the onset of each level, the character launches forward at speed. Upon encountering an incline, they soar through the air in a manner that defies physics yet delivers a satisfying thrill.
The challenge lies in ensuring a safe landing angle, with only a keen sense of digital depth perception, some rough mental math, and a button that allows for a hasty descent if either of the first two elements fails. Achieving smoother landings rewards players with more incredible boosts and enhanced energy to unleash their unique abilities.
In the realm of roguelikes, the premise might seem daunting, but Haste offers a surprisingly lenient experience. Players begin with a health meter and three hearts; taking damage or falling into the void results in the loss of a heart. If all hearts are depleted, the game ends. The objective at each level is to navigate swiftly and efficiently.
To keep gameplay fresh, each character has a unique ability—in the demo, players can utilise a hoverboard that enhances speed when used wisely. Additionally, Sparks can be collected to purchase items that offer both passive and active advantages. However, players should also be prepared for the occasional explosive surprise from the game itself.
The levels are procedurally generated and filled with various hazards designed to challenge players, such as massive lasers and missiles. Although bosses are hinted at, the demo features only one, which players defeat by launching themselves at it with enough force to cause damage. This unconventional strategy proves that inflicting concussions on oneself can indeed be an effective combat tactic, significantly if it also harms the enemy.
From a visual standpoint, the game impresses with stunning character art and vibrant environments. The ominous wave of doom that chases players adds a sense of urgency and panic as it consumes the level behind them and poses a threat if they linger too long.
The demo leaves players eager for more, as its brevity is a downside. A diverse array of character choices and varied terrains would enhance the experience. Nonetheless, the game’s concept is compelling, and anticipation builds for future updates on how players can hurl themselves into obstacles with increasing intensity. Haste: Broken Worlds currently lacks a release date, but one character cryptically assures that it will arrive sooner than expected—an intriguing hint to ponder.
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