Peglin for iPhone

Roguelike pachinko indie game

Peglin is an independent video game developed by Red Nexus Games that offers hybrid gameplay of roguelike and pachinko. The game sees players taking a small goblin on an adventure to various locations. Along the way, you will encounter enemies that you will beat using a pachinko-like set.

Peglin plays like a combination of Peggle and Slay the Spire. Only this time, your pachinko score determines the damage you deal with your opponent. The mechanics are entirely physics-based, making the entire game challenging. Users must note, however, that the game is still a demo. Hence, the gameplay will be short.

What is Peglin?

In Peglin, you play as a goblin who goes on an adventure to slay the dragons and take back the gold they stole. You will travel to various locations and have various encounters with enemies. To defeat them, you will use a pachinko-like set. Using your mouse, keyboard, or controller, you will aim and fire the balls to hit as many pegs as possible.

The more pegs you hit, the higher the damage you deal with the enemy. Note that the orbs you use need collecting. Don't worry, though. You will have many opportunities to gain new orbs. You can even upgrade your existing ones to add different physical behaviors. Once you defeat the enemy, you can choose the route you want to take. Although, this, again, uses the pachinko mechanics.

As mentioned, the game is challenging. However, the light tone makes it easy to pick up and play. The roguelike format also adds to the fun elements of gaining a powerful orb. Some might feel a bit of disconnection between the pixel orb and the pegs. But the pixel graphics are visually charming, especially when the orb is bouncing.

Roguelike pachinko experience

Peglin revolves around the story of the titular small goblin-like creature out to avenge his kind and recover their wealth. It combines fantasy adventure with pachinko mechanics, allowing you to deal damage to your enemies with every peg you pop in the custom pachinko tables. Different designs and layouts match your enemies and your progress in the story, making every playthrough unique as a roguelike title.

Aside from the pachinko-based combat mechanic, the game also lets you collect randomized relics to help you on your way. With every enemy you defeat, you also get to upgrade your orbs to help you fight the tougher bosses along the way. These features make it the perfect cross between Slay the Spire and Peggle. However, since this is a demo game, the runtime will be short.

What’s new in patch 0.9.15?

Peglin’s newest version 0.9.15 update brings a few gameplay fixes to the well-loved pachinko roguelike game. Among these changes are new Orbs and Relics: Orbs Spinterest Payment and Highway Orbbery and Relics Beckoning Crit and Bag of Orange Pegs. Besides that, some of the artwork and icons had been redrawn and modified as well, offering better and more efficient visuals from here on out.

‌Adjustments were also made to some existing Relics, Orbs, and Classes for more balanced gameplay. These include removing the requirement from the Basalt Toadem Relic, allowing it to offer maximum HP increase from the get-go. Meanwhile, the Balladin Class’ starting Ballwark has been upped to six. Finally, bug fixes have been added and these should solve most player-reported issues, ensuring a smoother experience.

Should you play it?

Peglin combines two gameplay features in one platform. The result is a unique and fun game. Although, it can be challenging as the result of your battles often relies on how good you aim your orb at the pachinko set. Moreover, while the pixel graphics are charming, they could use improvements. Nevertheless, it is still worth a try, even though the experience is short as it is a demo game.