Achaem

Achaem is a roguelike set in a science-fiction offshoot of the history of the Achaemenid (Persian) Empire. As a tourist visiting the ruins of Persepolis, you are pulled into a scar in time and taken to the Gate of No Nations, a strange world outside the rules of time. There, you meet Achaem, a supernatural entity once known to Cyrus the Great. Achaem offers to help you return home if you help drive out the technologically advanced artificial-intelligence machines that have taken over this world.

Story

Achaem was named by Cyrus the Great, who met the entity shortly before the Achaemenid Empire rose. They became friends: Cyrus taught Achaem about humanity, while Achaem advised him on innovations that helped the empire succeed. Achaem remained a secret through the reigns of Cyrus, Xerxes I and Darius III, the empire’s last ruler.

Achaem witnessed the events leading to the empire’s fall, including betrayal among its leaders, the looting of Cyrus’ tomb and the destruction of parts of the palace. Its anguish tore a scar in time in a quiet corner of Persepolis, and Achaem was lost to humanity. Millennia later, you stumble into that scar and arrive at the Gate of No Nations, where intruders from different points in time and space are travelling through other scars.

Explore a changing world

The world is procedurally generated around you as you move. Areas differ from one another and submerge after you leave, so you cannot return to them. The environment is destructible: walls, ground and enemies can be smashed into pieces that react to the game’s physics.

You fight through hordes of AI aggressors as you progress. The world grows more difficult, introducing new enemies and challenges alongside better treasure. Enemies include swarms of small creatures, giant, tough tanks, fast-hitting whirlwind ragers and foes with projectile attacks inspired by bullet-hell games. Strong enemies guard the scars in time; you may encounter one before you are ready, and careful preparation is needed to defeat them.

Combat and progression

You combine attacks with up-dashes and ground-dashes, carrying enemies into aerial combos or smashing them through the ground. Trinkets can trigger spells. Trap rooms, trapped chests, secrets and Easter eggs are also scattered through the game.

Coins found during your adventure can be spent in a weapon shop on weapons, shields and trinkets. Your RPG stats are based on your equipped weapon, shield and trinket, and you invest in stats to suit your play style and keep pace with increasingly powerful enemies. The game also reveals its story intermittently as you play.

Character and death

You can customize your character by finding and equipping accessories, haircuts, head designs and outfits. The game lists 64,373,400 possible combinations. Death is permanent and costs you nearly everything, but unlocked character customizations remain, and items previously bought from the weapon shop become available for half their original price.