Windblown

⚡ Windblown – A Fast, Fierce Roguelike with Serious Style

Windblown, currently in Early Access on Steam, is a breakneck-paced, co-op action roguelike with serious ambition and a standout sense of motion. Developed by Motion Twin (creators of Dead Cells), the game leans hard into speed, fluidity, and player expression—all while retaining that addictive "one more run" spirit.

⚔️ Gameplay & Combat

At its heart, Windblown is all about momentum. You play as a “Leaper,” a nimble warrior darting between fragmented floating islands in the skies. Combat is silky smooth: there are no recovery frames after a dash, so fights feel rapid and aggressive, with an emphasis on mobility and spacing.

Instead of locking you into a single weapon type, the game encourages experimentation. You can equip any two weapons—double melee, double ranged, or a hybrid—and each pairing opens up unique "Alterattacks" that create devastating combo effects. Weapon switching mid-run is seamless, and the systems reward both improvisation and strategy.

🔁 The Roguelike Loop

Windblown embraces a classic roguelike structure: procedurally generated biomes, randomized loot, and permanent death. Whether you're playing solo or in 3-player online co-op, each run begins with a leap into the unknown—facing off against chaotic enemies and minibosses while collecting power-ups and trinkets that define your build.

Runs are short and intense, typically progressing through five distinct biomes. After each, you’ll regroup on your ship to choose a path, upgrade gear, or dive straight back into combat. Between runs, meta-progression lets you unlock new weapons, passive upgrades, and modifiers, offering a satisfying sense of growth.

🤝 Co-op Chaos

Multiplayer is where Windblown really comes alive. Up to three players can party together, coordinating builds and combos in real time. Potions heal the entire team, not just the user, which adds a layer of tactical generosity. But there's tension too: if one player falls, the team enters a sudden-death state—and things can spiral quickly.

The balance between teamwork and individual skill is beautifully tuned. While solo play is rewarding and viable, co-op elevates the experience into a colorful ballet of destruction, with players dashing across the screen in perfect sync—or glorious disaster.

🎨 Visuals & Sound

Windblown is gorgeous. Each biome is a surreal, floating island filled with rich color palettes, clean environmental design, and fast-paced visual effects that are easy to read despite the chaos. The art direction blends clean, cartoony character models with bold animations and particle effects that feel both modern and timeless.

The soundtrack leans into energetic synth-rock—pulsing beats that match the frenetic pace of combat. Every dash, slash, and explosion is backed by a punchy soundscape that enhances immersion without overpowering the moment-to-moment action.

🛠️ Early Access Impressions

Windblown arrives in Early Access with a very solid foundation. The core mechanics—movement, combat, and build crafting—feel tight and satisfying. Early reviews and player impressions have been largely positive, with particular praise given to how fast and fluid the game feels, especially compared to other roguelikes.

That said, it’s still a work in progress. Some players have reported occasional performance dips during high-intensity moments. The UI can be a bit barebones in places, and certain systems—like the way inventory is managed between runs—feel a little undercooked.

Content-wise, the game currently features around five biomes and a dozen weapons. That’s a respectable start, but long-term replayability will depend on how much depth gets added over time. More enemy types, build synergies, and event variety will go a long way toward keeping the game fresh over the long haul.

✅ Final Thoughts

Windblown is a thrilling and stylish roguelike that’s already a blast to play—and it’s only getting started. Its speed-focused design and tight controls make every run feel dynamic, while the option to play cooperatively adds a level of chaos and camaraderie that few games in the genre can match.

If you're into fast-paced action, tight build mechanics, and games that reward skillful play without punishing experimentation, Windblown is well worth a look. Its current content offering is strong enough to entertain, and the roadmap promises even more to come.

Verdict

Pros:

• Incredibly smooth, fast-paced combat

• Dual-wield and combo system feels fresh and flexible

• Gorgeous art and fluid animations

• Great fun in co-op, with meaningful teamwork mechanics

Cons:

• Limited content (for now)

• Occasional performance and UI rough edges

• Could use more long-term progression hooks for solo play

Score (Early Access): 8/10

Windblown is already a slick, stylish ride—and if the developers stick the landing on content and polish, it could become a mainstay of the modern roguelike genre. Whether you're flying solo or bringing friends along, the skies are calling.