@knapjack The usual usage is that runs are procedurally generated, and once you die you start over from zero (*). This is where the Rogue comparison comes from, not the gameplay / genre itself.
* There's "roguelike" and "roguelite" (even though many people only use the former). Roguelites differ in that there is some progress between runs (unlocking new skill / items, making your character stronger, etc).
So, judging from the screenshots, I'd say this game may earn the qualifier from having procedurally generated stages (not sure) and the unlocking of new abilities from run to run (hence "lite").
I know the terms well but not this game in particular, so I'm feeling like I'm not being of much help⦠Sorry about that!
EDIT: from the article, at least this part would make it a roguelite, if these persist between runs:
"As you progress you get to unlock upgrades and abilities for your ship like extra health or a more powerful bump, along with unlocking more types of ships to play [β¦]."