It’s not often that a video game recommendation begins with a health warning, but Kaz earns one. The ultra-fast indie game can wreak havoc on your wrists if played for too long at once, a lesson learned the hard way by players who can’t pry themselves away. Developed by Kalinarm, Kaz is a new roguelike on Steam for $7 that doubles down on a straightforward premise, compelling players to dive in repeatedly.
The goal of Kaz is to survive a deconstructed dungeon crawler for as long as possible, slaying enough enemies to reach a score threshold within a tight time limit for each stage. This concept is presented through a minimalist aesthetic reminiscent of the Flash game era. Each level places the player’s avatar into a grid of squares where enemies appear. The only requirement is to defeat them by navigating to their square using WASD or arrow keys. Compatibility with dance pads is also noted, though with a humorous caveat about neighborly relations.
The challenge intensifies with a strict 15-second timer per level to hit the score goal. Kaz demands quick reflexes, relying on instinct and muscle memory to succeed. Players must dodge traps and defeat shielded enemies, which require two hits. This simple yet demanding loop contributes to its addictive "one more level" quality, making it difficult to disengage even as wrists begin to ache from the rapid input.
Kalinarm enhances the core gameplay with a roguelike system similar to Balatro, where players acquire a new passive perk between levels. These perks can offer benefits such as increased points per enemy, extended combo multipliers, altered enemy spawn rates, or even grant the avatar lasers, adding significant build-crafting depth. Player runs can focus on maximizing combo potential by extending multiplier limits and active chain times, or on upgrades that spawn secret stars for bonus points. A wide variety of unlockable buffs allow for satisfyingly powerful builds.
This progression is balanced by a risk-reward system involving traps. Hitting traps fills a curse meter, which, upon completion, results in a negative perk between levels. This mechanic encourages more deliberate play in later stages, preventing random button mashing. However, even these curses can have a silver lining, potentially synergizing with certain offensive perks. For instance, a curse that spawns more of a specific enemy type that tries to evade the player could become beneficial if perks have been acquired to make that enemy class more valuable.
A notable detail is that each playable avatar, possessing its own starting perk, unlocks a unique visual theme for the grid. One character might chase down skeletons, while another pursues carrots and apples. This cosmetic variation keeps the repetitive act of navigating the maze visually fresh with each new character attempt. The developer's inclusion of these themes suggests a potential for further customization through mods or additional developer content.
While the game's intensity may necessitate breaks due to physical strain, Kaz remains a compelling title to keep on standby. It successfully captures the spirit of early 2000s Flash games found on sites like Newgrounds, offering an experience that is easy to learn but presents a significant challenge to master. The game continues to beckon players back for another attempt, testing their typing speed and reflexes.