If you are looking for a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled experience that flips the script on traditional arcade shooters, I Hate Running Backwards offers a brutal and chaotic alternative. Released by Devolver Digital, this indie action title takes the classic "shoot 'em up" formula and turns it upside down—literally. Instead of descending through levels, you find yourself at the top of the screen, moonwalking your way through various time periods while blasting waves of enemies charging up from below.

A High-Stakes "Shoot 'Em Down" Experience

At its core, I Hate Running Backs is a hardcore roguelike shooter that emphasizes destruction and survival. While the perspective gimmick provides a fresh way to view combat, the true depth lies in its complex systems and punishing difficulty. The game features procedurally generated stages, ensuring that no two runs are exactly alike as you navigate through environments ranging from Egyptian deserts to Aztec jungles.

The gameplay loop revolves around managing an ever-growing arsenal and surviving relentless onslaughts. Players can utilize a wide variety of mechanics beyond simple shooting, including:

  • Diverse Arsenal: Choose from 67 different weapons, including shotguns, lasers, rocket launchers, singularity cannons, and even melee options.
  • Advanced Combat Maneuvers: Use a melee spin attack to deflect incoming missiles or destroy the environment to uncover hidden power-ups.
  • Character Specialization: Every character possesses unique stats and special abilities that fundamentally change your approach to battle.
  • Perk Progression: Collect yellow voxels to fill experience gauges, allowing you to select powerful perks—such as wacky upgrades like farting donkeys—to turn the tide of combat.

A Multiverse of Devolver Digital Icons

One of the most standout features of this title is its massive crossover roster. The game serves as a playable celebration of the Devolver Digital catalogue, featuring voxel-style versions of iconic characters. Players can step into the boots of legendary figures like Serious Sam, Lo Wang from Shadow Warrior, and even protagonists from Hotline Miami, Enter the Gungeon, Broforce, and Nuclear Throne.

This variety extends to the enemy ranks as well. You will face a dizzying array of foes lifted from various indie classics, including the iconic, screaming headless Kamikazes. To master the game, you must learn to counter specific enemy types and prepare for massive boss encounters that test your reflexes and resource management.

Brutal Difficulty and Roguelike Elements

Do not let the colorful, Minecraft-esque aesthetics fool you; this game is notoriously difficult. The roguelike nature of the game means that death carries heavy consequences, often sending you back to the start of your journey. While the procedural generation helps mitigate repetition by shuffling enemy layouts and weapon availability, the difficulty can be highly irregular—swinging from manageable skirmishes to absolute nightmares characterized by ammo scarcity and overwhelming ranged threats.

I Hate Running Backwards is a perfect match for fans of retro-inspired arcade shooters, roguelike enthusiasts who enjoy high-stakes progression, and anyone who appreciates the chaotic charm of the Devolver Digital universe. Whether playing solo or engaging in local cooperative play with a friend, prepare to test your mettle against the madness of a fractured space-time continuum.