While Supergiant's Hades has become synonymous with roguelike RPGs featuring emotional family narratives, indie studio Dead Mage explored similar themes years prior with their 2019 dark fantasy co-op title, Children of Morta. The game, which fully launched in 2020, centers on the Bergson family as they confront a encroaching corruption threatening their mountain home.
Children of Morta blends action-packed roguelike gameplay with a narrative that delves into the complexities of family dynamics. Players step into the shoes of various members of the Bergson clan, each with distinct abilities and roles that mirror their familial positions. For instance, John, the father, excels in a defensive role, capable of shielding allies and fending off enemies, while Lucy, the youngest, wields powerful but less survivable magic. This dynamic encourages players to leverage each character's strengths and compensate for their weaknesses, making it well-suited for cooperative play.
The roguelike elements, such as procedurally generated maps and randomized item drops, ensure that each playthrough offers a fresh challenge, pushing players to adapt their strategies and experiment with different character builds. Defeat is not merely an end but a gateway to further narrative progression. As players ascend the mountain and face its perils, they unlock more of the Bergson family's collective and individual stories back at their home base. These interludes provide insights into the characters' lives, their relationships, and the underlying family trauma and dynamics at play.
The game's narrative, while occasionally touching on heavy themes like intergenerational issues and sibling rivalries, is handled with sensitivity and depth. This narrative focus, combined with its engaging gameplay, positions Children of Morta as a noteworthy title for fans of story-driven roguelikes.
Children of Morta is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.