YOGRAK the long way down is a side-scrolling horde-survival roguelike set on PC. Players take control of characters who descend through layered zones filled with relentless enemies, managing movement and firepower to clear gates and advance via tears in reality. The core loop centers on repeated descents that reward smart positioning, armament selection, and build experimentation while the invading forces press forward without pause.
Gameplay
Each descent starts with a fall from the Sanctum into the Invaded City. From there the player steers through five floors, eliminating threats that block progress before stepping through a tear to the next area. Armaments occupy two initial slots with two more unlocked through Ozandra's Shop. Some weapons fire automatically while others require direct control. Projectiles can stack up to ten at once, and modifiers such as Ricochet alter their behavior so bolts arc and rebound, sword comets slam repeatedly, and the Lidless Ray caroms across surfaces. Portals created by the Doorman allow shots to be redirected for better coverage.
Two doctrine slots begin available and expand in the same way. Each of the nine playable characters arrives with a birthright armament that functions without cost. Yograk the Lich Supreme uses an auto-firing staff that gathers souls into a protective shield. Ser Voskar the Deathknight slices rapidly or charges his blade and performs dash stabs. The Beast General the Rider accesses unlocked mounts, fires an auto bow, and gains speed across levels. Freya the Bulldawg crushes foes with paw attacks, boasts the highest defense and luck, yet moves slowest. Khazunn the Dwarven Nerd projects an auto laser, constructs copying turrets, and relies on a laser shield without servants or demonic candies. Oscar and Annie the Barkers deploy two hounds whose barks autofire and ricochet while boosting damage when the pair stays together. Grukk the Growth swings an auto club that enlarges with experience. The Lidless Watcher the Eye in the Sky projects an auto ray, flies freely, and carries a chance to petrify targets. Blue Kong the Heavenly Mountain Gorilla swings an overhead staff or stabs that changes size, double jumps, climbs walls and ceilings, and performs sky slams or summons clones.
Relics appear in chests and provide powerful effects such as the Dwarven Space Cannon that drops orbital laser blasts on a forty-five-second cycle or the Nadir Idol that freezes time once per descent during an eclipse. Additional items include Pickup Chan, Doorman portals, the Portable Mandelbomb, and Fractal Domain. Between runs the Sanctum serves as a hub where recruited disciples roam and interact, a petting area exists, Ser Voskar plays rock-paper-scissors with intensity, and a meadow reflects real-world seasons and hours while a black hole in the gallery slowly accumulates mass.
Game Modes
Absolute Cinema mode lets players sit back and watch characters handle the action autonomously. Leaderboards track performance across descents so players can compare runs and build legacies. Successful completions open two portals: one returns to the throne while the other leads into the Endless Worldtree for continued challenges. The six distinct floors each feature unique environments and wardens including Vorrux the World Worm, Khesheph the Corrupt Sphinx, Sobekul the Macho Croc, and the Piranha-Mancer among others that appear deeper in the sequence.
Progression and Companions
Characters begin with limited armament and doctrine capacity that grows through shop purchases. Birthrights provide reliable starting power while additional relics and doctrines layer on top. The Court system allows recruitment of eight disciples and sentient arms. Players can raise skeleton legions, adopt the Court Slime that consumes kills and grows, befriend Cube Buddy with its internal black hole, summon behemoths, keep Meowow, or carry the Jealous Blade that executes weakened foes and reacts loudly on critical strikes. These elements expand tactical options during longer descents and encourage experimentation with different character combinations.
Is It Worth Playing?
YOGRAK remains in development with a planned 2027 release and currently shows no user reviews on its storefront page. The described systems emphasize precise movement, layered builds, and persistent progression through repeated runs in a single-player format. Players who enjoy side-scrolling horde survival with roguelike elements, character variety, and hub-based customization will find the mechanics align directly with those preferences. Those seeking established community feedback or post-launch updates should monitor its status closer to release, as the current information centers on the core descent loop, nine distinct characters, and supporting features such as Absolute Cinema and leaderboards. The game targets fans of methodical combat and long-term build crafting rather than fast-paced multiplayer experiences.
