It’s not really a full on roguelike. You do “upgrade” weapons as you use them, so when you die it’s not a complete loss. Also once you beat a boss you never have to fight them again if you don’t want to. You just make it through three areas (3 bosses each), and then you unlock the next 3, but you don’t have to start from the very beginning for the last 3.

Maybe it helps if you think of it as an arcade version of a soulslike game? Play it in 30 minute increments, don’t stress about beating it and naturally you’ll get better enough to beat it.

The story and setting is pretty unique and awesome as well.