The digital arena is buzzing, and it’s all thanks to the recent playtest for Morbid Metal, the upcoming hack ‘n’ slash action roguelite from developer SCREEN JUICE and publisher Ubisoft. After tearing through the demo myself, I can confidently say this game is an absolute rush of high-octane, cyberpunk-infused combat!

If you missed the hype, Morbid Metal is a fast-paced action game where the core mechanic revolves around real-time shapeshifting between multiple unique characters. You’re not just switching weapons; you’re fundamentally changing your combat style, and chaining these transformations is the key to mastering the brutal, semi-procedurally generated levels.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes this playtest a must-try experience.

1. Combat That Sings: The Shapeshifting Synergy

The immediate takeaway from the demo is the sheer fluidity and style of the combat. It’s a blend that feels inspired by games like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta, all wrapped up in a dark, neon-soaked future.

The playtest gave us access to two characters, each a polar opposite:

• Flux: The nimble, razor-fast katana wielder. Perfect for quick strikes, air combos, and evasion.
• Ekku: The heavy-hitter, slow but devastating. His powerful glaive strikes land with a satisfying thud and is great for breaking shields.

The magic happens when you realise you can swap characters mid-combo. Starting an air juggle with Flux and instantly switching to Ekku for a massive slam attack is incredibly satisfying. It transforms every encounter into a high-speed, choreographed dance of destruction. The combat is genuinely addictive, forcing you to think strategically about synergy, not just button-mashing.

2. A Solid Roguelite Foundation

Beyond the flashy combat, Morbid Metal plants itself firmly in the roguelite genre. The loop is immediately recognisable:

• Clear rooms and waves of enemies.
• Collect upgrade cards to enhance your characters, boosting damage, abilities, or even adding new mechanical quirks.
• Die, and it’s all gone.

However, the game adds a brilliant layer of complexity with the upgrades. Since you’re building out two characters at once (and eventually up to four in the full game), you’re constantly looking for upgrades that not only benefit the individual but also synergise with the other members of your squad. Do you go all-in on Flux’s speed, or balance it with Ekku’s raw power?

The addition of the high-risk, high-reward “Deal with the Devil” statues further spices up the run, offering massive buffs paired with equally crippling debuffs.

3. Style and Atmosphere

Visually, Morbid Metal nails its cyberpunk aesthetic. The environments are a stunning mix of futuristic tech and atmospheric decay. The character designs—sleek, expressive robotic warriors—are a feast for the eyes.

It’s a game that doesn’t rely on deep, verbose lore (at least in this slice), and that’s okay. Morbid Metal is all about the spectacle, handing you a ridiculously stylish sword and saying, “Be cool. Don’t die.”

Early Impressions: A Recipe for Success

The Morbid Metal playtest is more than just a promising demo; it’s a confident proof-of-concept for a deeply engaging action system. While minor things like camera behaviour and combat readability could see polish, the foundation is rock-solid.

If you’re a fan of stylish action games, high-speed combat, or a roguelite loop that keeps you coming back for “just one more run,” you absolutely need to have Morbid Metal on your radar.

Morbid Metal is slated to launch into Early Access soon. Get ready to shapeshift, slaughter, and try to survive just one more time.

Morbid Metal Playtest https://screen-juice.com/

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