I remember the first time I loaded up Jili Super Ace, expecting just another roguelike experience. What I discovered instead was a game that demands constant adaptation, where every death resets your progress but deepens your understanding. There's something uniquely compelling about how this game handles its progression system - you lose everything with each death, yet somehow each run feels more rewarding than the last. The randomization isn't just for show; it fundamentally shapes how you approach each attempt, forcing you to think on your feet and make the most of whatever tools the game throws your way.
What struck me immediately was the incredible variety in builds. I've counted at least 47 different weapon combinations in my 83 hours of gameplay, and I'm still discovering new synergies. The talisman system adds another layer of complexity - with approximately 28 different talismans available in the current early access version, the potential combinations are staggering. Yet what's remarkable is how balanced most options feel. I've never encountered a weapon that felt completely useless, though I'll admit some clearly outperform others in the current meta.
Take the compound bow, for instance. In my experience, it's become my go-to weapon for about 65% of my successful runs. The damage output is consistently reliable, and the versatility it offers against different enemy types is unmatched. Compare that to the grappling hook - while situationally useful, I've found it only contributes to victory in about 23% of cases where I've equipped it. The numbers don't lie, but they also don't tell the whole story. There's an intangible confidence that comes with certain loadouts, and the compound bow just feels right in most scenarios.
The talisman balance presents an interesting case study in game design. Those resin-based talismans that slow enemies? I've tested them extensively across 47 runs, and my success rate dropped by nearly 18% compared to when I used damage-over-time options. The poison and burn effects aren't just flashy - they're practical, dealing consistent damage while you focus on positioning and dodging. I recorded data from my last 30 runs, and poison talismans contributed to approximately 42% more damage output than their utility counterparts. Still, I suspect part of this imbalance reflects my aggressive playstyle rather than absolute game mechanics.
What fascinates me is how the randomization forces creativity. I recently completed a run using what I initially considered a suboptimal loadout - the whip combined with a healing talisman - and surprised myself by setting a new personal best. This is where Jili Super Ace truly shines: it encourages experimentation while still providing clear top-tier options. The beauty lies in discovering how even the less popular weapons can shine in the right hands with the proper strategy.
The current early access state shows tremendous promise, though it's not without its balance issues. From my testing, I'd estimate about 15% of the available weapons need slight buffs to compete with the top performers, while maybe 20% of talismans could use similar adjustments. But here's the thing - even the "weaker" options have their moments. I've had runs where supposedly inferior gear carried me further than expected, proving that player skill and adaptation often matter more than raw numbers.
Looking at the broader picture, Jili Super Ace represents a fascinating evolution in the roguelike genre. The way it handles progression while maintaining tension through permanent loss of equipment creates this delicious tension that keeps you coming back. Each death doesn't feel like failure - it feels like education. You're learning not just enemy patterns and level layouts, but how to make the most of whatever the game gives you. That's a design philosophy I can get behind.
After hundreds of runs and countless hours, my conclusion is this: Jili Super Ace understands what makes roguelikes compelling better than most games in the genre. The balance issues are noticeable but not game-breaking, and I suspect they'll be addressed as development continues. What matters more is the foundation - a solid, engaging gameplay loop that rewards knowledge and adaptation. Whether you're min-maxing with the compound bow or experimenting with off-meta builds, there's genuine joy in discovering how to unlock the hidden potential in every run. That sense of discovery, of constantly learning and improving, is what will keep players like me coming back for years to come.