Table of Contents
13Z, Eastern Mythology, & Roguelikes
When it comes to roguelikes, much of the recent spotlight has been dominated by titles rooted in European mythology. Games such as Hades demonstrated the potential of blending myth with punishing yet rewarding gameplay loops. But roguelikes don’t have to begin and end with Greek gods. 13Z: The Zodiac Trials, developed by Singapore’s Mixed Realms, embraces the Chinese Zodiac and broader Southeast Asian influences to carve out something fresh in the genre.
At its heart, this is a third-person hack-and-slash roguelike that combines mythological inspiration with dynamic combat. The player takes on the role of either Lyra the Fox or Sylith the Raven, attempting to prove themselves worthy among the Zodiac while carving through arenas filled with danger and spectacle.
Combat Depth That Rewards Experimentation
Combat in 13Z is fluid and flexible. The Fox excels at swift melee strikes and rapid movement, while the Raven prefers ranged attacks and even has the ability to fly briefly. These archetypes are just the starting point. New weapons and upgrades allow both characters to evolve, letting players mix and match abilities across eight unique combat styles with their own skill trees.
Experimentation is encouraged. In one run, Sylith’s flight provided a tactical escape, but ranged attacks felt less satisfying, so switching weapons turned him into a hybrid combatant. Upgrades further shape each playthrough, summoning lightning bolts on dashes or infusing melee attacks with elemental fire. The result is a system that feels both chaotic and rewarding, demanding adaptability in every encounter.
Balancing Challenge With Accessibility
Mixed Realms has leaned into community feedback to ensure that 13Z: The Zodiac Trials strikes the right difficulty balance. Enemy numbers and behaviours have been fine-tuned, making fights intense without becoming overwhelming. Whether playing solo or in four-player co-op, every battle is designed to test reflexes and decision-making.
The elemental upgrade system ensures no two runs feel identical, while exploration rewards curiosity with secrets, side quests, and encounters with other Zodiac figures. These characters serve as both allies and adversaries. Helping the Pig in one run, for example, unlocks a temporary companion to join battles, offering new tactical opportunities.
Progression Beyond a Single Run
As expected of the genre, death comes often, but progression extends beyond any single attempt. A hub area allows players to unlock permanent upgrades by trading resources. Over time, new NPCs and buildings expand the possibilities, encouraging repeat runs while offering a sense of meaningful advancement.
This layered structure in 13Z: The Zodiac Trials ensures accessibility for newcomers while providing enough depth for experts to refine strategies and master synergies. The roguelike loop remains intact, but Mixed Realms’ cultural infusion and co-op support make it feel distinct.
A Promising New Chapter for Southeast Asian Games
What makes 13Z: The Zodiac Trials exciting is not just its combat systems or roguelike design, but what it represents. It’s a game deeply tied to Southeast Asia’s roots, daring to spotlight mythologies often overlooked in gaming. If Hades proved that Greek myth could fuel a modern roguelike, then 13Z makes a strong case for the Chinese Zodiac to inspire just as much devotion.
Players don’t have to wait long to see for themselves. A demo is now available on Steam, letting fans test both the Fox and the Raven before the full release. For those eager to discover how roguelikes can evolve beyond the familiar, 13Z: The Zodiac Trials is shaping up to be one to watch.
