Lost in Random: The Eternal Die Review
(Image credit: Stormteller Games)
A Bold Shift into Chaos
Most sequels try to capture the same feeling and action of their predecessor, not The Eternal Die developed by Stormteller Games. This may disappoint fans of the story-driven development and explorable worlds within Lost in Random. However, the sequel is even more random with levels and gear built purely on chance! Gone is the narrative focus, replaced by a procedurally generated roguelike experience with slightly tweaked combat. Those who love the original might dislike the changes, but the fighting-focused gameplay loop that rewards failure is very engaging.
“Do you smell it, the aroma of randomness?”
The Eternal Die may not be story-driven, but that does not mean there is no narrative. The game is ripe with a story and lore to unravel. Playing as Aleksandra with her trusty dice companion Fortune, who is forced into playing and reliving Mare the Knight’s twisted games inside the Black Die. They discover allies and rooms that remind Aleks of her past life, which reveals her tale. Fighting bosses and heading back to the Sanctuary safe area threads the needle of the story tighter. It does take progression deeper and multiple plays to get more combat and safe room story.
(Image credit: Stormteller Games)
Journey through a four-level, randomly generated world called the Black Die. Each contains rooms filled with combat, puzzles, lore, items, mini-bosses, or games of chance, which can hold many rewards for those who are lucky. The combat rooms are the most prevalent, and they contain level-specific traps with various waves of enemies to defeat. Each level has a unique boss with special mechanics that ratchet up the action.
The combat mirrors the original, with dodging, weapons, cards, and dice throws to end Mare and his endless hordes of baddies. The sequel changes come from the player only having one card to use at a time, and upgrading weapons or blessings occurs at Sanctuary instead of the merchant. Also, the player receives rewards that boost combat, but most are lost each playthrough, except for currencies needed at the Sanctuary. Those items include special ability relics and pearls that are placed on a collection board. If three of the same color are in line, they add additional multipliers with recoloring available.
“But beware, these challenges are rigged and no two visits are alike.”
The game is not without flaws, mainly the locked isometric camera that hides enemies who will attack Aleks from anywhere. This frustration has ended plenty of early runs for me, and the view can hide narrative progressing collectables, leaving me checking corners to ensure nothing was missed. Also, the randomness of the levels hides lore rooms because they do not always spawn, which can stifle story progression. Even the cards feel weak compared to weapons, and the range of most attacks can frustrate combat, especially since some enemy abilities use the full room.
(Image credit: Stormteller Games)
Like any sequel, does one have to play the first game to enjoy it? Not really, since the backstory is revealed enough as the player continues their journey into the four levels of Mare’s cursed Black Die. Playing the original sets up a well-weaved story-driven arc and could disappoint some. Overall, the gameplay loop and combat mechanics of Lost in Random: The Eternal Die are fully engaging despite its few flaws. This game is recommended for its challenges, randomness, and roguelike experience. Available on Xbox Game Pass, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Developer: Stormteller Games
Publisher: Thunderful Publishing
Release Date: 6/17/2025
