In 2003, a nine-year-old was captivated by an imported Driger V2 Beyblade, perceiving it as a formidable weapon that dominated local battles. This powerful toy, capable of dismantling lesser opponents, provided a sense of unparalleled strength. Now, a recently released roguelike game called "From the Top" aims to rekindle that same sensation, allowing players to engage in virtual top battles with strategic depth and dynamic gameplay.
"From the Top," launched on Steam last month, has largely flown under the radar despite its unique premise: a Beyblade-inspired roguelike. The game immerses players in a world where they must perpetually battle whirling tops for the amusement of a top-obsessed tyrant. This scenario cleverly mirrors the experience many parents endured in the early 2000s, as children passionately engaged in intense, albeit physical, Beyblade duels.
Players embark on a journey similar to "Slay the Spire," starting with an initial loadout of battle tops. They navigate a path, encountering enemy tops and opportunities to enhance, repair, or even merge their own. Each top is composed of three distinct parts, influencing its movement, impact force, and spin duration. Crucially, every component grants an active ability, enabling the tops to perform the extraordinary combat maneuvers seen in the animated Beyblade series, bridging the gap between cartoon fantasy and interactive gameplay.
The game's dynamic customization allows for an array of powerful top combinations. One memorable setup involved a heavy, stable driver that kept the top centered, complemented by an active ability to spawn clones. Another configuration offered temporary intangibility, followed by a kinetic pulse, allowing the top to phase through attacks and counter with forceful arena-clearing launches. These creative designs evoke the feeling of wielding an overpowered Beyblade, much like the author's childhood Driger V2.
However, opponents in "From the Top" are equally formidable, fielding combinations designed to challenge players. Early bosses might feature vampiric stamina-draining attacks and vacuum abilities, making escape nearly impossible. Later enemies could possess aerodynamic bases and dash abilities, enabling them to quickly re-enter the arena after being knocked out. This diverse range of adversaries ensures that each run presents a fresh and engaging challenge.
Priced at just $4, "From the Top" offers an affordable and compact gaming experience. Its innovative concept, combining the nostalgia of Beyblade with the strategic depth of a roguelike, is surprisingly fresh in the gaming landscape. It's a delightful diversion that delivers on its promise of recreating the thrill of childhood top battles, without the risk of accidental shrapnel, as the author jokingly reassures his brother.