Moros Protocol Review
Boomer shooter roguelite Moros Protocol would benefit from leaning less heavily on its roguelite elements.
Moros Protocol. Credit: Pixel Reign / Super Rare Originals
Pixel Reign’s Moros Protocol is an FPS roguelite published by Super Rare Originals, finally released after many years in development. Its boomer shooter gameplay is a highlight, but thanks to the underwhelming meta-progression, the roguelite elements feel lackluster.
You awaken aboard The Orpheus, a derelict military warship infested with horrors. Accompanied by an AI companion, you're tasked with uncovering what went wrong while blasting your way through hordes of monsters. It's a classic sci-fi setup that draws inspiration from shooters like Doom in its story and gameplay.
Moros Protocol. Credit: Pixel Reign / Super Rare Originals
Moros Protocol mostly delivers what you'd want from a fast-paced FPS. Movement feels weighty but responsive, with added dodge and stamina mechanics that encourage deeper strategy. The variety of weapons impresses with distinct categories covering melee, ballistic, and energy types, each with different ammunition consumption rates that require you to constantly adapt your approach. Landing kicks and swings carries real impact, making melee combat exceptionally satisfying.
The augment system allows you to socket randomized upgrades into weapons and armor, theoretically enabling diverse build possibilities. Unfortunately, the progression feels disappointingly incremental, both in terms of augments and the permanent skill tree upgrades. Instead of the power fantasy boomer shooters thrive on, upgrades often feel like they barely register during actual combat, and the lack of meaningful impact makes the gameplay loop less compelling. Boss encounters highlight this problem; though they are dramatic, they create difficulty spikes that made me feel severely underpowered.
Moros Protocol. Credit: Pixel Reign / Super Rare Originals
Moros Protocol is a great-looking game. The chunky, voxel-like, pixelated textures capture an old-school vibe, while modern lighting effects heighten the immersive atmosphere. Exploration maintains excitement thanks to the gritty art direction that makes every new area feel foreboding. Enemy designs don’t reach the heights of the environment art, but they're distinctive enough to keep combat interesting and are satisfying to blast, slash, and kick.
Moros Protocol is a decent boomer shooter with a great look and compelling setting, but its roguelite mechanics never quite justify their inclusion. The game may have been better as a more straightforward shooter. I won’t return to it unless the developers decide to overhaul the meta-progression.
Moros Protocol is available now on Steam.
Overall Score: 6/10
Played on: Steam Deck
