The first-person shooter genre, tracing its roots back to classics like Wolfenstein 3D and Doom, has a new contender in the Early Access arena: Oddcore, a roguelike boomer shooter that delivers fast-paced action and semi-randomized scenarios. Oddcore distinguishes itself from more expansive and serious shooters with its focus on shooting waves of bizarre creatures in confined spaces.

The game's appeal lies in its pick-up-and-play nature, driven by a combination of frenetic gameplay and a balanced risk-reward upgrade system. Players find themselves compelled to jump back in for "quick-hit sessions," according to early reviews, even amidst other activities.

Oddcore presents a stark contrast to the sprawling narratives and complex allegories often found in modern first-person shooters. Instead, it offers a streamlined experience reminiscent of the genre's early days, where the primary objective was to blast through hordes of enemies. The game begins with a minimalist narrative setup, quickly throwing players into the action.