The genre names rouge-like and rouge-lite get thrown around quite liberally. With both sounding so similar and having subtle differences, it can be hard to know which terminology to use. Simply put, rouge-like games have you power up as you play, and upon failure, you lose them all, starting over from the beginning.

Rouge-lite games function the same as rouge-like games, but you can purchase permanent power-ups, making subsequent games easier. Invincible Cat, the sole developer and publisher of Gravity Oddity, has managed to create a game that embraces both rouge-like and rouge-lite elements, and it is you, the player, who chooses how you want to play. So, for now, let’s call this one rouge-ish.

The gravity in the universe is disappearing, and the company, Rio Grande, is selling gravity boots that require gas to work. Your crew mate Gary decides he is going to construct boots that do not require gas, releasing everyone from the grips of Rio Grande’s profiteering. After four years, Gary succeeds in his quest and shares his invention with you.

You go to sleep, only to be awoken by the sound of laser fire, screams, and Gary’s companion Newton. Newton informs you that Gary has been kidnapped, and it is up to you to rescue him.

The short tutorial section runs you through all the controls, and you can play with either a keyboard and mouse or a gamepad. Both options allow you to remap the keys, so you can have the setup that best fits your playstyle.

As Gravity Oddity works on a two-dimensional plane of movement and there is no gravity, you are free to move anywhere you want. Whenever you are in contact with a surface your gravity boots activate, allowing you to move on that surface as if it was the ground. Other movement options include dash, jump, and teleport.

Pursuing Gary requires you to enter a system and gather coordinates so you can discover where he is being held. The coordinates are always held by a boss and his defeat is the only way to acquire them. Defeating the boss also gives you the option to increase your power. Whether it is more health, an extra modification slot, or an upgrade like fire rate or range, just to mention a couple, the choice is yours, but these power increases cost a modification chip.

So, going straight to the boss and getting those coordinates is always an option but isn’t advisable. Raiding nearby locations and gathering modification chips and armour is a smarter idea. Modification chips come with varying attributes that will affect how you fight or traverse, and some have usage limits on them, depending on their rarity, so having multiple options is always a good idea.

Defeating enemies has a chance to drop currency or intelligence. Currency can be spent when your run is finished on cosmetics, and intelligence will unlock different locations, modification chips, and enemies. This is where you, as the player, can adjust how difficult you want your game to be.

In the accessibility options, you can tweak the settings so you can make it as easy or as hard as you like. Want an unbreakable shield, infinite jetpack fuel, ammunition, or modification use? If there is something you want to make the game more enjoyable for you, you’ll find it here.

Graphically, Gravity Oddity is not all that exciting, but it doesn’t have to be. Its cartoony and vibrant colours are incredibly charming. Laser fire from you and the enemies, traps, and explosions are a neon light show. With all that over the screen, anything more than what has been delivered would be too much of a visual overload.

The music is simple, but after listening for an hour or two, it became too annoying to leave on. The sound effects, however, from its beeping and booping as characters talk, the sound of explosions, and the pew pews from the laser guns, were all great.

Gravity Oddity is a fantastic rouge-ish. With the adaptability of how hard you want to make your experience, it is delightfully fun. You will easily spend hours playing this game over and over unlocking all the little gems it has hidden inside.

Written by: Ashley Barnett-Cosgrove