As someone who's spent countless hours exploring the roguelike genre, I've come to appreciate how new games often stand on the shoulders of giants. When I first booted up Jili, I immediately recognized what the developers were attempting—and I must say, they've created something genuinely special that deserves its own spotlight. The gaming landscape has seen numerous titles inspired by successful predecessors, but Jili manages to carve its own identity while paying homage to its influences. Through my extensive playtesting and analysis, I've discovered that Jili offers a unique blend of mechanics that both newcomers and veterans will find compelling.
Imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery in game development, and having played Hades extensively—I've logged approximately 187 hours across multiple platforms—I can confidently say that Jili developers have studied what makes that game exceptional. However, this comparison creates both advantages and challenges for Jili. Where Splintered Fate falls short tends to stick out more precisely because we're comparing it to such a polished masterpiece. During my first 20 hours with Jili, I noticed the narrative presentation uses still images during story moments that are serviceable but lack the artistic punch of Hades' hand-drawn sequences. The character designs are competent, yet they don't quite achieve the same level of memorability as Zagreus and his underworld companions. This isn't to say Jili fails in its storytelling—rather, it approaches narrative differently, focusing more on environmental storytelling than character close-ups.
What surprised me most about Jili was how it diverges from its inspirations to create genuinely novel experiences. The combat system incorporates elements I haven't seen elsewhere, particularly in how it handles progression across multiple runs. Where Hades makes each attempt feel meaningfully connected to the narrative, Jili focuses more on mechanical mastery and strategic planning. I've found myself developing completely different approaches to Jili's combat compared to how I played Hades—the rhythm of attacks, dodges, and special abilities follows a distinct pattern that rewards patience and observation rather than pure reflex. After my 47th run (yes, I'm counting), I discovered nuances in the upgrade system that provide deeper customization than initially apparent.
The boss encounters in Jili present another fascinating case study in game design. Repeated runs against the same adversaries do feature entertaining taunts and jabs that maintain freshness, though I must admit that characters like Leatherhead, despite their massive jaws and impressive visual design, don't deliver the same emotional impact as fighting Megaera in Hades. There's a certain personality missing from these encounters—that subtle blend of resentment and reluctant respect that made Hades' boss fights so memorable. However, Jili compensates with more varied attack patterns and environmental interactions that require players to constantly adapt their strategies. I've noticed that the third boss encounter introduces mechanics that completely change how you approach combat from that point forward—a clever design decision that keeps the experience feeling fresh even after multiple failures.
Where Jili truly shines is in its progression systems and reward structures. The game implements what I'd describe as a "branching mastery" system that allows players to specialize in particular playstyles through persistent upgrades. After tracking my progress across 30 hours of gameplay, I found that the game offers approximately 73 distinct upgrade paths—a number that ensures substantial variety between runs. The beauty of this system is how it gradually introduces complexity, making it incredibly beginner-friendly while maintaining depth for experienced players. I've guided several friends through their first Jili sessions, and watching them grasp these systems has given me insight into how effectively the game teaches its mechanics without explicit tutorials.
The visual and auditory design of Jili deserves special mention, particularly how it creates atmosphere through its minimalist approach. While the still images during narrative moments might not have the same immediate impact as more elaborate cutscenes, they develop their own charm over time. I've come to appreciate the subtle storytelling through environmental details and character portraits that evolve as you progress. The soundtrack features approximately 42 distinct compositions that adapt dynamically to gameplay situations—a technical achievement that enhances immersion without drawing attention to itself. It's in these quiet moments between frantic combat that Jili establishes its own identity separate from its influences.
Having played through Jili's content multiple times—my save file shows 63 completed runs—I can confidently say that the game succeeds most where it embraces its unique vision rather than following established formulas. The early hours might feel familiar to roguelike veterans, but persistence reveals a game with its own distinct rhythm and personality. What initially appears to be straightforward imitation gradually unfolds into a thoughtfully crafted experience that stands on its own merits. The developers have clearly poured their passion into creating something that respects its predecessors while daring to be different in meaningful ways.
For beginners approaching Jili, my advice is to embrace the learning curve and resist comparing every element to other games in the genre. The true pleasure of Jili emerges once you stop seeing it through the lens of what came before and appreciate what it brings to the table. The satisfaction of mastering its unique combat flow, the thrill of discovering synergistic upgrade combinations, and the gradual unraveling of its subtle narrative—these elements combine to create an experience that deserves recognition on its own terms. While the shadow of influential games will always loom over new entries in the genre, Jili demonstrates how inspiration can evolve into innovation when handled with care and creative vision.