Blends roguelike and tower defense seamlessly
Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee is a roguelike exploration game in a randomly generated universe containing tower defense elements. The premium adventure game is a space epic where you have to manage a team of adventurers who battle through the game's various levels in the hope of escaping hell.
Each level of the Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee is composed of a large number of rooms. The tension is palpable whenever you open a new door since it always leads to a surprise — a bunch of rabid aliens, a piece of equipment, a merchant, a new character, and more.
In space, no one can hear you scream
Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee is far from being just a copy of the usual roguelike specifications and genre. While the classical mechanisms of the genre are present, with levels that change with each new game, lots of difficulty, and an emphasis on the role-playing aspect, the game goes much further. You can choose from two characters to simultaneously manage and can recruit more over your adventure. Although, remember that a good number of them will likely die quickly.
You get the thrill of discovering new things time and again in Dungeon of Endless, and you end up with this rather pleasant feeling of a lucky dip—you never know what danger or wonder hides behind the door you decide to open. That said, you should never forget that your ultimate goal is to get out alive from the hell in which you have ended up.
You have to find the exit in each level and activate the crystals, all the while braving waves of ferocious enemies. At this point, the game reveals the originality of its gameplay: as you explore the different rooms, you can build machines and turrets that will slow the advance of the aliens who want to prevent you from reaching the Release.
A difficult game with sometimes risky handling
Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee is, without a doubt, challenging. Agreed, that’s not particularly surprising for a roguelike, but it’s always good to bear this in mind before you embark on the adventure. The game doesn’t give you any second chances, and once your characters have been killed off, you just have to start the adventure in new rooms. Prepare to shed blood, sweat, and tears before coming to the end of this sadistic epic.
The difficulty level in a roguelike game can hardly be considered a defect, but the shortcomings in maneuverability are more troublesome. Once your team has started to grow, you may have trouble managing four characters without losing half of them when each wave of aliens attacks. Luckily, an active break option allows you to stop time and give orders. At the same time, the lack of reactivity in the characters is a conscious choice by the developer to encourage you to use your characters strategically at each level.
Delicious retro graphics
Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee is a feast for the eyes, provided you have a weakness for 8-bit graphics and large pixels. The colors and lighting effects are very nice and reflect the oppressive atmosphere of the place, while the music is reminiscent of the fantastic Faster Than Light. It will delight all fans of the indie aesthetic, while others may have more trouble getting to love something that could appear to be dated.
It already has a sequel
Developer studio Amplitude has released the Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee sequel, Endless Dungeon. Instead of possessing the same roguelike tower defense mechanics as its predecessor, the sequel is gunning for more twin-stick shooter gameplay. It’s playable solo or with others through co-op multiplayer, with a diverse roster of heroes and different classes. Players can modify their weapons between missions at the Saloon, allowing for a flexible playing style.
Limited-time free game
Mobile gamers can now download Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee for free on the Epic Games Store Mobile. In collaboration with Playdigious, Epic Games is offering this title as the first exclusive free game on the platform, available until February 20, 2025. Players must install the Epic Games Store mobile app to claim the game, which they can add to their library at no cost.
An original and absorbing game
Dungeon of the Endless: Apogee masterfully blends roguelike exploration, tower defense, and strategy, delivering an intense, unpredictable space adventure. Each new door brings surprises—dangerous aliens, valuable loot, or potential allies—heightening the thrill. The game’s high difficulty and strategic depth demand careful planning, while its retro pixel art and atmospheric music create an immersive experience. Challenging yet rewarding, it’s a gripping journey for those who embrace its brutal but satisfying gameplay.