Rubinite, a dark fantasy boss rush action RPG where you play a red-eyed murder princess, is out now on Steam. If you've been craving a game that channels the brutal elegance of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and the pixel-art gothic horror of Blasphemous, this is your next must-play.
What is Rubinite?
Developed by Gameworks Ventures and Cup Dog Games, Rubinite puts you in the shoes of Ruby, an outcast princess of a Scarlet Kingdom conquered by a sorceress who enjoys plucking out eyes. To reclaim her throne, Ruby must fight through a menagerie of grotesque sentinels — from an overclocked caterpillar to a swordswoman that channels Elden Ring's Malenia.
What sets the combat apart is the weak-point marking system. You can't just hack away; you hold a trigger, aim with the analog stick, and mark up to three weak points on a boss. Then you unleash a devastating attack. The catch? You can't move while marking, but a perfectly timed dodge fills the bar instantly. Take damage, and those marks vanish. It's a high-risk, high-reward loop that rewards patience and pattern memorization, much like AI-driven boss encounters in soulslike games.
A Dark Fantasy World Worth Exploring
Between boss fights, you return to a shattered tower hub where you can level up and talk to NPCs. There's a lizard blacksmith for comic relief, a lean warrior with an owl-faced helmet, and a hooded figure tied to a cross who begs you to kill him. The world is full of "lip-smacking pixelgore" and "alarming outbreaks of whimsy" — it's a visual treat that reminded me of Blasphemous.
The hub expands as you butcher bosses, with side rooms containing treasures. It's a small but meaningful loop that adds depth beyond the boss rush. If you're on Android and hoping for a mobile port, there's no word yet, but the game's precision controls would need a careful adaptation.
Why This Matters Now
Boss rush games have seen a renaissance lately, from Furi to Titan Souls. Rubinite enters a crowded field, but its unique weak-point system and lack of a block button force you to go on the offensive. There's no hiding behind a shield — you must dodge, mark, and strike. This philosophy aligns with the AI arms race in game design, where developers push for more dynamic, punishing encounters that reward skill over grinding.
Importantly, Rubinite doesn't just copy Sekiro's deathblow system. It adds its own wrinkles: projectiles you can bounce back, talismans that stun enemies, and chip damage converted into health potions. The customization options suggest a deeper build system than the demo reveals.
Is It Worth Your Time?
I spent about an hour with the demo, and I'm cautiously optimistic. The combat feels tight, the world is intriguing, and the pixel art is gorgeous. But the demo only shows a few bosses, and the full game's depth is unknown. The no-block mechanic might feel punishing to some, and the weak-point marking could become repetitive if boss patterns aren't varied enough.
However, if you're a fan of Blasphemous or Sekiro and want a focused, challenge-packed experience, Rubinite is a strong contender. It's available now on Steam for Amazon? No, it's on Steam, not Amazon Luna — but you can buy it directly. The price is reasonable for a boss rush title, and the pixel art alone is worth the ticket.
What's Next?
The developers have hinted at post-launch support, including additional bosses and talismans. There's also potential for console ports, but nothing confirmed. For now, Rubinite is a solid addition to the dark fantasy genre, offering a fresh take on boss rushes that rewards memorization and aggression. If you're ready to become a red-eyed murder princess, this is your chance.
For those who prefer a more traditional dungeon-crawling experience with boss fights, Death's Door is still a fine substitute. But for a focused, no-nonsense boss rush that respects your time, Rubinite delivers.
Comments (0)
Loading comments…