When Rubinite developer Cup Dog Games posted about the game's Steam launch on July 27, it had just crossed 1,000 user reviews averaging 91% positive. As of July 31, it's approaching 1,800 reviews that are 92% positive. I thought this game would be good when I played the demo last year, and it turns out it is really good.
"We're truly grateful to every single player for your support and encouragement," Cup Dog Games says. "Every review you leave and every recommendation you make fuels us to keep polishing and improving the game."
Rubinite is described on Steam as "an extremely challenging boss rush action game." I would compare it to Titan Souls (which is 90% off right now) – an isometric, arena-based gauntlet of boss fights with extremely tight core mechanics. The main difference is that Rubinite is a fair bit larger and more complex, not to mention melee-focused. Calling it indie Sekiro, as some people have, is a little reductive – and, given the focus on dodging over parrying, inaccurate – but it does give you a decent idea of the pacing.
You play as a young princess named Ruby, whose crimson eyes allow her to see the weak points of monstrous bosses. You can sneak in quick dagger attacks, but the name of the game is charging up attacks to deal lethal damage to exposed weaknesses.
Here's the fuel that makes this whole engine work: the closer you are to bosses, the faster your attacks charge up. Equally, the closer you are, the harder it is to dodge enemy attacks. This is the knife's edge that Rubinite walks, and it's ridden it straight to the hallowed lands of Steam acclaim.
Add in upgrade and skill systems that further elevate combat, render it in lovely pixel art, and pack it all into a mercifully short game (seemingly 10 - 12 hours) and you've got yourself a stew. As of July 30, Rubinite is also Steam Deck verified, and it seems like a natural fit for a handheld PC.
