At PAX West 2024, All Ages of Geek caught up with Christian from Imaginary Game Studios to chat about their wild new game, Rogue Climber. If you’re the type who thinks games are getting a little too friendly, this one’s gonna call you out, throw you off a cliff, and laugh while you try again.
What is Rogue Climber?
You’ve only got a short time to climb. An army of enemies, deadly traps, and reality itself are out to shut you down. Manage your gear, hone your build, and master platforming techniques to climb higher than anyone before you. Sound easy? Nah. It’s not.
As Christian put it, Rogue Climber is a “cartoony nightmare” and a total rage platformer packed with roguelike mechanics.
- Precision movement
- Tactical gear
- Strategic upgrades
- A mountain of pain standing between you and victory
If you’re not ready to suffer a little (or a lot), this game is not for you.
Why Make a Rage Game?
Christian admitted there’s a tiny bit of sadist energy that went into Rogue Climber’s design — but it’s also about engagement. When a player struggles, it means they care enough to keep trying. And when you finally pull off that crazy wall-run, dodge the death traps, and stick the landing? Pure victory.
The Real Deal: Rogue Climber’s Gameplay
Here’s a peek at what you’re in for:
Precision Movement
Wall-runs, blink-dashes, ground-pounds, and jump-combos—get good or get wrecked.
Tactical Gear
Pick up one-use items to help you survive…but hoard too much and you’ll slow down.
Enemies and Traps
Fire-breathing monsters, sneaky spikes, black-out lightning rods—everything hates you.
Strategic Upgrades
Seal slots are limited. Boost ‘em with crystals if you dare, but upgrades are random. Big brain or big gamble, your call.
Checkpoints (Kinda)
They exist, but only once. Then it’s you versus gravity.
And yes. There’s a grapplehook. Because games without grapplehooks are a crime.
Easter Eggs in Rogue Climber and Future Games
Rogue Climber isn’t just a one-off. Christian teased that the characters, items, and art style you see here will carry over into their next games. If you’re paying attention, you might spot hints of what’s coming next.
Road climber = playground
Future games = the big show
Imaginary Game Studios is clearly building something bigger than one brutal climb.
Advice for Aspiring Game Designers
Christian’s tip? Play more games.
- Step out of your comfort zone
- Try stuff you wouldn’t normally pick
- Even the bad ones teach you something
Where to Support Rogue Climber
- Wishlist Rogue Climber on Steam: Right here
- Join the Imaginary Game Studios Discord: Chat games, game jams, and general chaos
- Check out Meticulous, their earlier project
Final Thoughts
If you love action platformers, roguelikes, or just want a game that’s ready to fight you back, Rogue Climber is your jam. Tight controls, hardcore challenges, and that good old “one more try” energy from back in the day. No hand-holding here. Just you, your gear, your reflexes—and the climb.
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