This game is reminiscent of both Peggle and Slay the Spire. Players play Pachinko and shoot orbs into pegs to accrue points. These points become the damage they deal to enemies. As they progress through levels, they gather upgrades in the form of orbs and relics. Even if players don’t defeat everything, the next run of this roguelike lets them have another shot at the enemies, this time with new power-ups. This game can seem very lucky-based for new players because of the procedurally-generated levels. There are tricks to combat this though.
6 Learn The Angles
Pachinko-style games can feel very random at times. An orb is dropped and bounces whatever way gravity takes it. Plus, there are other variables in Peglin, like different types of orbs, pegs, and enemies that do different things. This can become frustrating if players don’t know tips and tricks early in the game.
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To counter that, players can learn the angles of common level layouts. Much like pool, the direction that the balls go can be estimated. The game doesn’t have to be purely based on luck. Players can always strategically aim for restocking pegs if no good angles are present to refresh the board.
5 Know The Orbs To Collect
Some orbs should be taken whenever they’re offered. No matter a player’s build, these are great in the long term, especially because they can be upgraded as time goes on. But even at level one, some orbs will help progress the game quicker.
A few orbs to always keep in mind are the Poltorbgeist, Echorb, Ball Lightning, Ircicle, Nosforbatu, and Matryorbshka. These can help pierce through enemies, heal players, ignore shields, and split into multiple orbs. Don’t forget that they aren’t just good on their own, but also when used in combination with other orbs. Plus, they’re just very fun to play with. The point of games is to entertain people.
4 Learn The Orbs To Avoid
Some orbs are only good if players take certain synergies for specific builds made around them. Others are rarely worth taking even if a compatible build is made. If players can, it’s best to avoid a few orbs.
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Examples of orbs to not take are the Bramball, Oreb, Daggorb, and Orbelisk. These have traits such as bouncing differently, holding enemies in place, and hitting high critical hits but having minimal regular damage. Some orbs aren’t even upgradable. It’s good to get experience with every orb so players can puzzle out what they do and learn if they like using them or not. However, sometimes it’s better to just look up an item’s powers online. There’s no point in wasting time if players want to progress through the game more efficiently.
3 Know The Relics To Collect
Relics are items that carry over to new run-throughs of Peglin. They give the player buffs and advantages so when they die and restart, the players are better prepared to go again. This is the roguelike element of this game.
Some relics are better than others for long-term replays. These include ones such as the Matryoshka Shell, Power Glove, Electropegnet, and An Apple A Day. These can add multiball to shots, increase base and critical damage, and improve the character’s health. Players should get their hands on these relics as soon as possible to make the game easier.
2 Learn The Relics To Avoid
Every relic has an effect that will add to the replayability of Peglin. More relics mean more power-ups and advantages for future runs. But some relics offered in the game aren’t as useful as the others.
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Examples of relics to avoid if given the option are the Consolation Prize, Curse of the Peglin King, Sand Arrows, and Wand of Skulltimate Power. These can do things like changing shot damage, applying blindness to enemies, and doubling damage but at the expense of the character’s health. Some relics even do nothing. Players can still get them, especially if they’re trying to collect all the relics in the game, but it may be best to pass on these.
1 Don’t Stress About Losing
Peglin is a roguelike game. It’s expected that players will lose over and over. The thing to remember is that each time the game will get easier as upgrades are gathered. This game isn’t meant for a no-deaths run or a speedrun, though there are probably people who will try to do that. Strategy is important, but not if it takes away the enjoyment.
Just sit back, enjoy the cute art, and relax because this puzzle game is meant to be fun. If it’s not, players are doing something wrong.
Peglin is available on PC.
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