If you’re like me and have lost months of your life to the dopamine drip-feed of Vampire Survivors, then anything Poncle touches is worth your attention. So when I saw they’re publishing a brand new indie action game, Berserk or Die, my curiosity was instantly piqued. But what really grabbed me wasn’t just Poncle’s involvement-it’s the game’s completely bonkers control scheme that throws platformer conventions out the window and asks you to literally smash your keyboard to survive. Let’s dig into why Berserk or Die might be your next $4 obsession-or a short-lived novelty, depending on your taste for chaos.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Poncle (publishing Nao Games) |
| Release Date | Available Now (Steam) |
| Genres | Action, Bullet-Hell, Indie Roguelike |
| Platforms | PC (Steam) |
Let’s get to the heart of it: Berserk or Die is not trying to be another Vampire Survivors clone, and thank goodness for that. Instead, developer Nao Games has cooked up a 2D bullet-hell where your movement is inseparable from your attacks. You bash the left or right side of the keyboard to attack in that direction—no separate run button here. The kicker? The more keys you slam at once, the bigger your attack and the farther you move. Picture a bullet-hell brawler where your inputs are as wild as the action on-screen. It’s a genuinely fresh twist that feels both accessible and chaotic—a rare combo in indie games that usually stick to the safe-and-familiar.
I’ve seen a lot of games try to stand out with gimmicky controls, but what matters is whether the core loop feels satisfying after the first dozen runs. Considering Poncle’s knack for compulsively replayable mechanics, I’m betting they saw that same spark in Berserk or Die. Still, I have to wonder how long the novelty lasts—will constantly hammering the keyboard stay fun, or just wear out my patience (and my keys)?
Another angle that can’t be ignored is the soundtrack. Filippo Vicarelli, whose music is half the reason Vampire Survivors goes so hard, is back for this project. Honestly, if any composer can make relentless, frenetic action feel like a fever dream, it’s Vicarelli. That’s a legit selling point in itself.
There’s a roguelike progression system here too, with multiple characters and weapon options plus a nightfall merchant for upgrades. That ticks all the boxes for replayability. But this isn’t just about numbers going up; the tight, arcade-style design means your skill is what really matters, not just your build.
And look, I’ve seen too many “indie bullet hell” games wash up on Steam and disappear within a month. But Poncle’s involvement gives this one real credibility. They’ve been in the trenches and know what makes a viral indie click—immediacy, value, and weirdness in spades. If you’ve been watching Poncle’s moves, this push into publishing is a fascinating next step. Are they aiming to build an indie powerhouse, or just supporting games they genuinely like? Time will tell, but this is a strong start to their publishing slate.
If you’re addicted to “one more run” arcade roguelikes, Berserk or Die is a no-brainer. The offbeat control scheme means you’ll either fall in love with the kinetic feel or bounce off after a few minutes—but at $3.99, it’s hardly a risk. For anyone who values replayability, skill-based progression, and a pulsing soundtrack, this is Poncle delivering exactly what their community craves: immediate, unpretentious fun that ignores mainstream trends. It’s also an exciting signal that Poncle wants to help more oddball indies break through, not just ride the Vampire Survivors wave.
On the flip side: if you want narrative, polish, or anything resembling restraint, you’ll want to look elsewhere. This is indie gaming at its most raw, noisy, and unabashedly weird. And honestly? That’s exactly what the scene needs right now.
Berserk or Die takes Poncle’s “fun over everything” philosophy and runs with it—literally, since you can only move by attacking. Its wild keyboard-mashing gameplay, punchy soundtrack, and ultra-impulse price make it a must-try for anyone who loves indie action roguelikes. It might not have Vampire Survivors’ staying power, but if you want a blast of something different (and maybe a reason to buy a sturdier keyboard), this could be your next Steam gem. Poncle publishing is worth watching, and Berserk or Die is a bold first swing.