Roguelikes are everywhere right now, but Mortal Sin might just be one of the most exciting twists on the genre I’ve played in years. Released on PC and developed by solo creator Nikola Todorovic, this first-person action roguelike blends brutal melee combat with a dark, comic book-inspired style that instantly makes it stand out from the pack.
I went in expecting a neat little indie with some clever ideas, but what I found was something far more addictive. Mortal Sin feels like Doom if it swapped guns for swords – fast, bloody, and unapologetically intense. Within minutes I was hooked, hacking through dungeons, unlocking new classes, and laughing in disbelief as headless enemies crawled after me.
It’s rare that a roguelike makes such a strong first impression, but Mortal Sin had me saying “one more run” way later into the night than I’d like to admit.
Doom with Swords
The first-person melee combat is the star of Mortal Sin. It’s unique, fast, varied, and properly gritty. Solo developer Nikola Todorovic has said they wanted to make a melee version of Doom, and they’ve absolutely nailed it.
On my first run I jumped in as a Berserker, a class built around swinging a massive two-handed sword. Heavy arcs, huge damage, and that feeling of being somewhere between Cloud and Guts. Cutting through groups of enemies, sending limbs and blood flying, was an instant hook. Other classes unlock later, but the Berserker sets the tone brilliantly.
The combat is quick but weighty. Every attack feels deliberate, yet recovery is snappy enough to keep the pace high. As you push through the procedurally generated zones you’ll run into a mix of enemies, traps, and challenges. The traps in particular are a standout mechanic, not just for you to avoid, but for turning against enemies too. Watching a monster stumble into a spike trap never gets old.
Death is Only the Beginning
Progression can feel painfully slow compared to the highs of combat. Mortal Sin has a knack for luring you into a false sense of confidence, pushing you forward until you’re suddenly overwhelmed or dropped by something you never saw coming. More than once I felt unstoppable, only to be taken out by a sneaky ranged enemy or skewered by a trap.
But that’s the point. This is a roguelike, and death has meaning. Each run teaches you something new, and after falling in battle you’ll often unlock a fresh class to try out. I moved from Berserker to Paladin, leaning into the classic sword-and-shield setup, which is my personal favourite. Later switched to Pirate, tearing through dungeons with a pistol and scimitar.
This is where Mortal Sin really shines. There are loads of playstyles to experiment with and while the core mechanics stay consistent, each class adds enough flair to let you shape the experience around your preferred style.
Watch your Durability
While bashing, slashing and shooting your way through hordes of enemies. You’ll come across brief moments of respite, you’ll get to choose a random perk. These add a new layer of random customisation to your character. While playing as a Paladin I found an ability that would generate holy crosses every time I parried, I specialised into this. Any enemy that got too close, very quickly met their doom.
These skills are either applied to one of your weapons, or armor. The more you use them, the more your durability decreases and when it reaches 0, you can no longer use the ability. Regularly switching out equipment or using Wizard Oil increased the durability of all equipment. It’s good to know, you’ll thank me later.
Bloody Beautiful
Mortal Sin is stunning, but not in a glossy way. Its art style is dark, gritty, and straight out of a graphic novel. You actually get two main visual settings: Classic, which goes all-in on the bold pop-art, comic book look, or Realistic, which dials things back into something closer to Dark Souls.
It’s a clever touch that lets you pick the style you prefer, and honestly, it feels like a wild idea for a roguelike. What’s even better is how well it performs no matter which setting you use. I put in a few hours on PC, but most of my time was spent on the ASUS ROG Ally, where it ran flawlessly.
At first, I didn’t think too much about the visuals. But the deeper you get, the more the game keeps surprising you. The sheer madness of each run ramps up with every step. Cutting the legs off bosses only to watch them scoot towards you is equal parts funny and horrifying, and when the screen fills with blood and enemies, the smooth performance makes the chaos even more impressive.
Dark Tunes, Heavy Hits
The soundtrack in Mortal Sin is an absolute standout. Even outside the game it’s something worth listening to on its own. Each level features two layers: an ambient track that sets a dark, oppressive tone, and a battle track that slams in once the fighting starts.
The switch is powerful. One moment you’re creeping through eerie silence, the next you’re hit with pounding drums and heavy guitar as enemies rush you. It’s a sharp contrast, but it makes the action feel even more intense. The music balances mournful melodies with bursts of raw aggression, and at times it gave me strong Diablo 1 and 2 vibes.
And don’t just take my word for it, the full soundtrack is already up on Spotify for anyone to check out.
FINAL VERDICT
Mortal Sin feels like something truly fresh in the roguelike space. The melee combat is fast, brutal, and endlessly satisfying, with every swing carrying real weight. Add in a wide variety of classes, clever trap mechanics, and a progression system that rewards experimentation, and you’ve got a roguelike that constantly tempts you into “just one more run.”
Visually, it’s bold and distinct. Whether you’re slicing through dungeons in the vibrant comic book style or switching to the grim, Dark Souls-inspired Realistic mode, the look always fits the tone. Performance is rock solid too, whether on PC or handheld, even when the screen fills with blood, limbs, and absolute chaos.
The soundtrack deserves just as much praise, shifting from oppressive ambience to furious guitar-driven battle themes that make every fight feel like a moment. It’s the kind of music you’ll want to listen to outside the game, and it adds so much to the overall atmosphere.
It’s true that story isn’t the main draw, and progression can sometimes feel punishing, but those frustrations are part of the roguelike experience. Mortal Sin thrives on that tension between feeling unstoppable and suddenly being humbled.
What stands out most is that this is all the work of a solo developer. Mortal Sin isn’t just a solid roguelike, it’s one of the most inventive takes on the genre in years.
Score: 8/10
If you love roguelikes, brutal melee combat, and a style that oozes personality, Mortal Sin is an absolute must-play.