If you're a fan of action-packed roguelikes but crave something that truly twists the formula, look no further than Orbital Bullet. This inventive title from developer SmokeStab takes the familiar 2D side-scrolling genre and literally turns it on its head, offering a dizzyingly fun and strategic experience that’s currently a steal on Steam.
A Game That Rotates, Not Just Repeats
At first glance, Orbital Bullet might look like a classic 2D shooter. You run, you jump, you blast hostile machines. But the core genius—and the source of its name—is its central mechanic: the levels rotate around a central core. Instead of moving from left to right, you’re constantly running around the circumference of a small planetoid or massive space station. This 360-degree perspective isn’t just a visual gimmick; it fundamentally changes how you play.
As noted in a review by Tech-Gaming, this circular design opens up fresh strategic depth. Projectiles curve with the level's geometry, enemy encounters come from all angles, and navigating via ziplines or teleporters to new connected stages feels uniquely satisfying. It creates a sense of perpetual motion that perfectly complements the game's fast-paced combat.
Deep Roguelite Roots Meet Loads of Content
Beneath its spinning exterior, Orbital Bullet is firmly rooted in beloved roguelite traditions. Expect procedurally generated runs that ensure no two attempts are the same, demanding you learn, adapt, and push further each time. Death is permanent for that run, but progress is secured through nanobytes, a currency you collect to purchase permanent upgrades back at your hub.
The game boasts an impressive amount of content to fuel that "just one more run" feeling:
- Four distinct classes, each with unique abilities.
- Over 40 weapons and upgrades to discover and combine.
- Dynamic skill trees that change your playstyle on the fly.
- A "streak" system that ramps up the challenge after every successful run, testing your mastery.
Critical Reception & User Praise
Orbital Bullet earned a 73/100 in Tech-Gaming's assessment. The review praised its innovative core loop and substantial content, while criticism was aimed at an uneven difficulty curve, some imprecise enemy attack patterns, and minor UI quirks. The player community, however, has embraced it warmly. On Steam, the game holds a "Very Positive" rating based on nearly 750 reviews, with 86% of players recommending it. The consensus highlights its addictive gameplay, rewarding progression, and the sheer fun of its rotational hook.
The Big News: A Can't-Miss 90% Discount
Here’s the deal that makes now the perfect time to jump in: Orbital Bullet is currently 90% off on Steam. Normally priced around $17, you can grab this unique roguelite for just $1.70. According to price-tracking site SteamDB, while this discount has been matched before, it represents the absolute lowest price the game has ever been.
Click here to visit the Orbital Bullet Steam page and claim the discount.
The sale is set to expire on January 20, so prospective space rangers need to act fast.
One Consideration for Portable Players
A minor caveat for gamers on the go: Orbital Bullet is not officially compatible with the Steam Deck. While some players have had success with community control layouts, it lacks the "Verified" status, so performance may vary. For those looking for a dedicated handheld, the Steam Deck itself is often available around $795.00 on Amazon.
Final Verdict
Orbital Bullet is a clever, content-rich twist on the roguelite formula that deserves a spot in any action fan's library. Its rotational gameplay provides a novel and engaging challenge, backed by a solid progression system. At its full price, it's a compelling pick-up; at a 90% discount for under $2, it's an absolute no-brainer for anyone seeking a fresh and frantic indie experience.