Necropolis (video game)

Necropolis is an action rogue-lite role-playing video game developed by Harebrained Schemes and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game was released for Microsoft Windows and OS X in July 2016, and for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in October 2016.

Plot
The game's plot involves an archmage named Abraxis and his efforts in a secret underground tomb to practice magic far from civilization. The player takes on the role of various adventurers who have arrived at this strange, otherworldly Necropolis with unknown motivations—loot, glory, and exile all give way to the need for escape.

Gameplay
Necropolis is a third person action role-playing game. The game is set in a labyrinth in an abstract dimension and features moving platforms and hidden treasure. Players are able to alter parts of the world by solving puzzles. Enemies include dead adventurers, wild animals, and abandoned machinery. Abraxis' servant, the Brazen Head, assists in shaping the environments and assigning tasks, which both constantly change. Combat consists of timed attacks and attack patterns, relying heavily on movement and placement of the player character without access to a shield or dodge ability. Items such as potion ingredients and books are collectible.

As in most "rogue-lite" games, death results in a permanent loss of items and progress, and requires the player to begin a new save file. There are certain cosmetic items that can be purchased with in-game currency on various levels, but these can only be applied to the player character at the creation of a new save file. The player can have only one active save file. The collectible books allow certain equipped effects on the player character. These can be applied at the end of each level, before descending to the next. These abilities range from higher jump, to higher money and item drop rates.

As of the latest update, there are two playable adventurer classes: the Blackguard (speed), and the Brute (strength).

Development
The game was featured at PAX 2015, where it was named Destructoid's Editor's Choice winner. It was released for Microsoft Windows and OS X on July 12, 2016, and was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on October 4, 2016.

Music
The game's soundtrack was composed by Jon Everist, who had worked with Harebrained Schemes in the past with the Shadowrun series. Hardcore Gamer stated that Everist's score was "incredible", which providing several "haunting, orchestral yet minimalistic themes that perfectly fit the mood without ever overshadowing things".

Reception
The PC version of the game received an aggregate score of 59 composed from 34 critics on Metacritic.