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Pathogenic review: Damn, it feels good to be a virus
Ars Technica • • technology
Key Points:
- Pathogenic is a new roguelite twin-stick shooter by Aberrant Labs where players control a pathogen invading a human body, progressing through various organs and facing boss fights, culminating in defeating the heart or an optional brain boss.
- The gameplay features procedurally generated levels with combat against immune cells and rival pathogens, and a modular upgrade system that allows players to customize and synergize weapons and abilities for unique and powerful builds.
- The game emphasizes experimentation and strategic build creation, rewarding players for clever combinations of upgrades that produce surprising effects, supported by a meta-progression skill tree and multiple pathogen types to unlock.
- Pathogenic offers thematic content, polished visuals, and engaging sound design, though it is challenging with bullet-hell elements, permadeath mechanics, and occasional visual clutter that can be adjusted in settings.
- Available only on PC for $10, the game has sold over 100,000 copies with overwhelmingly positive reviews and runs well on the Steam Deck, making it a highly recommended title for fans of action roguelites.
