Ziggurat 2 for Xbox One

The good stuff

The way the levels shift each run is really smart. You think you’ve got a rhythm going, then suddenly a new enemy spawns in a corner you didn’t notice before, or a trap triggers mid-combo. That keeps things fresh even after ten runs. I loved how spells and weapons actually feel different - like using a fireball to clear a choke point versus a shotgun burst for quick kills. And the progression system? Simple but satisfying. Each death gives you a little upgrade path, so even when you fail, you’re getting better. It’s kind of like if Spine had more variety in its arsenal and less focus on slow-mo gun fu.

The not-so-good

It’s definitely not for everyone. The difficulty spikes can feel abrupt, especially early on. I died to a single enemy because I misjudged a jump and landed right in front of a spellcaster. No warning, no mercy. Also, the lack of a save system outside of progress tracking means you lose all your unlocks if you delete the game. Not a dealbreaker, but annoying if you’re not careful. And honestly, the visuals are… fine. Nothing stands out. But hey, the gameplay carries it.

Bottom line

If you’re into fast-paced roguelites on Xbox One and don’t mind a bit of frustration mixed with reward, Ziggurat 2 for Xbox One is worth a try. It’s not the most polished thing out there, but it’s solid, addictive, and surprisingly deep under the surface. If you liked Spine or similar action shooters, this one fits right in. Go ahead and download it - it’s free with Game Pass, so you’ve got nothing to lose.