Developer: Ethereal Fish Studio
Publisher: Indie Herb Games
Genre: Beat-em-up, Action
Price: $16.99
Release Date: Sept 8th, 2025
Where to buy: Steam
Star Fire: Eternal Cycle, developed by Ethereal Fish Studio, is a frenetic, retro-inspired roguelite that delivers on its promise of fast, no-pressure fun. The game successfully marries the classic side-scrolling beat ’em up genre with the addictive progression loop of modern roguelites, creating a satisfying and often-chaotic experience that is hard to put down. While the narrative is a bit sparse, the core gameplay is so tight and rewarding that it more than makes up for the lack of a deep story.
The game’s strongest asset is its combat. The controls are fluid and responsive, allowing for an incredibly satisfying flow of basic attacks, dashes, and powerful special moves. It’s the kind of combat system that is simple to grasp but has enough depth to keep you engaged as you master dodging and unleash devastating combos. The introduction of elemental synergies and a variety of weapons, each with its own feel and playstyle, adds a layer of strategy to the action. This variety ensures that every run feels unique and gives players the freedom to experiment with different builds, from a fiery, close-quarters brawler to a ranged, lightning-infused powerhouse.
Star Fire: Eternal Cycle truly shines in its roguelite mechanics. The “just one more run” feeling is strong, driven by the constant stream of new loot, upgrades, and permanent meta-progression. Every death isn’t a failure, but a chance to return to the hub, spend your collected resources, and unlock new abilities, weapons, and skins that make you stronger for the next attempt. The randomized stages and branching paths keep the experience fresh, and the occasional secret room or mini-challenge adds a delightful sense of discovery. It’s a well-executed loop that rewards persistence and makes every playthrough feel like a worthwhile investment of your time.
However, the game’s focus on gameplay comes at the expense of its narrative. The story is relegated to scattered text logs found during runs, providing a fragmented glimpse into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by alien hordes. This is a missed opportunity, as a more engaging story could have added a greater sense of purpose to the endless cycle of combat. While the lack of a deep plot doesn’t hinder the game’s core appeal, some players may find themselves wanting more context and character development. The flashy, anime-inspired visuals and pumping soundtrack, while effective at setting the tone, can at times be so chaotic that they make it difficult to track smaller enemies and projectiles, a minor but noticeable issue.
In conclusion, Star Fire: Eternal Cycle is a must-play for fans of arcade action and roguelite games. Its flashy, anime-inspired visuals and pumping soundtrack perfectly complement the high-octane gameplay. While the story is thin and the visual effects can occasionally be overwhelming, the game’s relentless pace, superb combat, and addictive progression loop more than compensate. It’s a game that knows what it is and executes its vision with a confident and stylish flair, delivering a chaotic and endlessly replayable experience that will keep you coming back for just one more run.
