Children of Morta (2019)

*Children of Morta* profoundly embodies the mantra "IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY," inviting players to step into the boots of the extraordinary Bergsons, a family of heroes united against an encroaching Corruption. This action RPG brilliantly weaves rogue-lite character development with satisfying hack’n’slash combat, challenging players to navigate procedurally generated dungeons, caves, and lands. Rather than focusing on a single protagonist, the game uniquely allows you to switch between seven distinct family members—from John the protective warrior to Lucy the bold fire mage—each with their own ranged attacks, magic, and skills, where leveling up benefits not just the individual but strengthens the entire familial unit. Beneath its vibrant hand-painted pixel art and fluid frame-by-frame animations lies a deeply emotional story exploring universal themes of love, loss, hope, and the profound sacrifices made to protect loved ones. The game further extends its core theme of unity with robust online and local co-op, enabling players to team up with a friend across both Story and challenging Family Trials modes, adding significant replayability and tactical depth. *Children of Morta* is a shining example of why it stands among the best games published by 11 bit studios. It perfectly aligns with their reputation for curating titles that marry compelling gameplay with profound narrative and emotional resonance, echoing the humanistic dilemmas found in their other acclaimed works. The game's blend of action, deep character progression, and a heartfelt story about familial bonds enduring against overwhelming odds creates an experience that is both exhilarating to play and deeply moving, solidifying its place as a distinguished entry in their portfolio.