"Fully Automated": A Rogue-Lite Redefining Narrative, Choice, and the Linux Gaming Frontier
We at In Game News just got a first look at Thierry Brim's "Fully Automated," and our editorial desk is buzzing. Officially revealed today, January 15, 2026, this fast-paced action roguelite isn't just another entry into a crowded genre; it looks like a genuine disruptor. With native Linux and Windows PC support confirmed from the jump, "Fully Automated" is poised to be a standout, blending visceral combat with an emotional core and player agency rarely seen in the endless run cycle.
After decades in this industry, we've seen countless roguelites promise "fast action" and "replayability." Many deliver on the former, but often fall short on the latter, devolving into a repetitive grind once the core mechanics are mastered. "Fully Automated," however, appears to be targeting that elusive sweet spot where mechanical mastery meets meaningful consequence. The reveal trailer hit hard, immediately hooking us with its blend of aggressive style and a surprisingly poignant narrative undertone. This isn't just a game; it feels like an experience demanding your time.
The "Fully Automated" Core Innovations: What Sets It Apart
- Narrative-Driven Roguelite: Set in a future where a pacifist utopia is under siege, players aren't just protecting loot or a base. Our analysis suggests this changes the meta-game entirely; every fight, every run, carries the weight of defending an entire way of life. This elevates the stakes far beyond the typical "waves until death" formula.
- Lethal vs. Non-Lethal Combat: This is a game-changer. Most action titles funnel you down one path: destroy everything. "Fully Automated" introduces a profound choice: defeat enemies lethally or by breaking their will. This isn't mere flavor text; it fundamentally shifts combat strategy, opens diverse build paths, and guarantees vastly different player experiences, even with similar progression.
- Persistent World & Relationships: In a genre notorious for resetting everything but player skill, "Fully Automated" promises a world that remembers. Your decisions, allies, and foes carry over, shaping the narrative and characters. This adds an RPG layer that is genuinely rare in roguelites, offering a persistent sense of purpose beyond the next upgrade.
- Momentum-Based Cyborg Martial Arts: The combat pitch is deliciously simple and immediately engaging: fast-paced action fueled by a cyborg body leveraging martial arts. Forget slow, floaty movements or waiting for cooldowns; this looks like pure, adrenaline-pumping momentum. We expect sweating palms and rapid-fire decisions, reminiscent of the best character action games.
- Cinematic Boss Battles: The trailer teases monstrous constructs and ancient war machines in boss encounters that promise to be more than just HP sponges. The energy shift when these titans appear suggests "react fast or get humbled" encounters, delivering anime-level finales.
Progression & Replayability: Shaping Your Destiny
Progression in "Fully Automated" involves collecting upgrades and traits to sculpt your ideal combat style. The most intriguing system appears to be the "microchips," unlocking new techniques and expanding options. This granular control over your build means you can truly customize your approach, whether you prefer to become an irresistible force or an immovable object. For a fast-paced action roguelite, this depth in customization is everything, driving that "just one more run" obsession we veteran players know all too well.
Platform Commitment: A Win for Linux Gaming
Perhaps most commendably, Thierry Brim, a solo developer from Belgium, has committed to native Linux support from day one. In an industry still often hesitant to fully embrace diverse platforms, this decision not only earns immediate goodwill but significantly expands the game's potential reach. It reinforces a growing trend, and we believe it’s a smart strategic play that will resonate with the dedicated Linux gaming community.
Based on our initial impressions, "Fully Automated" isn't just playing in the roguelite sandbox; it's bringing its own set of revolutionary toys. It has the potential to be one of those sleeper hits that redefines genre expectations. If you're into adrenaline-fueled combat, genuinely meaningful choices, and sci-fi worlds with real heart, we strongly urge you to add "Fully Automated" to your Steam wishlist. We certainly have.