MOODS: The German roguelike lets you shoot with both hands

It’s always nice to see video games made with love in Germany. StickyStoneStudio from near Freiburg recently released MOODS, a fresh roguelike twin-stick shooter, into Early Access.

The name MOODS may not seem particularly catchy, but take a look at what the acronym stands for: Mechanical Organisms on Destructive Substances. It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but it describes the content of the game more than well.

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You take on the role of a mech and turn all kinds of other tin cans into scrap metal. This tour of destruction is explained by the story, because humanity has turned its back on the earth and it is now populated by robots. The mechs are actually constructs that have learned to feel emotions over time. Of course, there are some evil factions, so it is up to you to restart the mech lords in order to restore peace to the world.

In terms of gameplay, Freiburg-based StickyStoneStudio cites titles such as 20 Minutes Till Dawn and Brotato as role models. In the early access version, you use twelve weapons, which you can upgrade with a total of 55 extensions and thus adapt to your preferences. This variety, combined with the ability to carry two weapons at the same time, should provide plenty of variety.

The developers are particularly proud of their bosses, because their fighting style is supposed to change based on your interactions with them. They attack you differently depending on whether you mock them, threaten them or even flatter them.

The classes of MOODS are based on various emotions, matching the human mechs. Based on the five classes, you also have different skills; for example, Sorrow leads a dog with him. You can also play the game with four people if you want. The roguelike elements come into play at your base, the scrapyard. As the game progresses, more and more other mechs arrive here, equipping you with various permanent upgrades.

MOODS is currently available via Steam in Early Access. For the future, StickyStoneStudio is planning new weapons, upgrades, Steam achievements, shop items, characters and much more.