Curse Rounds - Twin‑stick shooting where every card rewrites the rules and every run becomes a glorious mess. (Game Review)

I dashed into a room, grabbed a power-up, and suddenly the screen exploded with action. Curse Rounds moves fast and never lets up. It’s a tight roguelike that throws strange curses your way and challenges you to survive the madness.

Fast-paced, fierce, and surprisingly fun.

You drop into random rooms and grab a new curse from a deck of over 60 cards. Each curse changes the rules… sometimes in small ways, sometimes in wild, unexpected ways. Your goal? Shoot, dodge, and roll with whatever chaos comes next.

Curse Rounds blends twin-stick shooting with card-based twists. Most of the fun comes from figuring out how each curse changes the fight and then thinking on your feet. The best moments are when a curse turns a run into a total mess or an epic comeback.

Watch the trailer here:

Short fights, sharp instincts, and straight back into the fray.

Each run is a series of quick battles. You step into a room, take out the enemies, grab a new curse, and push onward. The game rewards sharp instincts: spot the curse, figure out if it helps or hinders your setup, then keep moving.

At its core, the game leans on three things: your shooting skills, how well you adapt to curses, and how power-ups mix with those curses. Your aim and movement really count. Curses can tweak enemy behavior, your weapons, or even the room itself. Power-ups combine with curses in unexpected ways. Getting good means glancing at a curse and instantly adjusting your playstyle.

The difficulty hits hard. Early runs feel manageable, but as you go, curses and enemy types stack up until one slip-up can end your run. The game expects you to learn through failure… and you’ll be dying plenty!

Chunky, expressive sprites that stand out against moody backdrops.

The art features bold, lively sprites that really stand out against dark, atmospheric backgrounds. This clear style makes it easy to follow the action, even when the screen is packed with bullets.

Gunshots crack sharply, curses ring out, and enemies fall with a solid thud. The sound helps you cut through the chaos and catch when a curse changes the game.

The visuals and sound are designed to be clear and easy to follow. When a curse shakes things up, you’ll notice it right away… in what you see and hear!

Playing alone, but sharing the stories.

Curse Rounds is a solo experience, but the community thrives through clips and chats where players share their wild curse mishaps and unforgettable runs. It’s the kind of game you can’t wait to show your friends after a crazy moment.

Replayability is strong thanks to sixty unique curses, a variety of power-ups, and ever-changing procedural rooms. Without heavy meta-progression, the game hooks you instantly… one more run, a new curse to discover, and a chance to last longer!

Curse Rounds delivers a compact, intense roguelike experience that keeps you guessing at every turn.

It captures the thrill of sudden rule changes perfectly. The curses keep you alert and make every run feel unique. While the pacing and meta-progression could use some polish, the core gameplay is addictive, and the art and sound bring every chaotic moment to life.

Available on the following platforms, click each link to download or wishlist:

1. PC - Released Feb 7, 2025 at $3.99
2. Nintendo Switch - Released Aug 14, 2025 at $4.99
3. PS4 / PS5 - Released Aug 14, 2025 at $4.99
4. Xbox - Released Aug 14, 2025 at $4.99

Want to follow updates and community builds? Here’s why and how.

Why wishlist

If you enjoy fast-paced runs that keep shaking up the rules, add it to your wishlist so you don’t miss new curses and updates.

How to stay informed

Stay connected with Tentacles Interactive on storefronts and community hubs to catch patch notes and fresh content drops.

Key Takeaways

• Each run is reshaped by a new curse, keeping gameplay fresh and unpredictable.

• The core loop is simple: clear rooms, pick up curses, adapt quickly, and keep moving.

• Combat is tight and satisfying, with responsive twin-stick shooting.

• With over 60 curses and many power-ups, no two runs feel the same.

• The game shines in short, replayable sessions that create memorable moments.

• Some pacing and meta-progression elements could be stronger, but the core experience is addictive.

• Perfect for players who love fast, reactive roguelikes with surprising twists.

Game Information

Developer: TENTACLES INTERACTIVE

Publisher: TENTACLES INTERACTIVE

Platforms: PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch (Reviewed), PS4, and PS5

Release Date: Feb 7, 2025

Reviewed by: Alissa Worley

Reviewed on: 03/07/2026

Score: 5.5 / 10

Curse Rounds delivers a fast, thrilling roguelike that’s simple to pick up but tough to step away from. It may falter slightly in pacing and meta-progression, but its addictive core gameplay and inventive curses make it a worthwhile play.

Every run feels like a new challenge, and the curses keep the chaos fresh and exciting.