Roguelike

This is a /v/ related article, which we tolerate because it's relevant and/or popular on /tg/... or we just can't be bothered to delete it.

A name used to describe random dungeon type video game RPGs, often using ASCII-like graphics. The name was coined from the eponymous 1980 computer game Rogue. Neckbeards have an inveterate fondness for these, and they are one of the few vidjyas one can mention on /tg/ without generating apocalyptic nerd rage.

Typical definitions for Roguelikes

Rogue! Its the epic tale of some guy who needs to find some amulet. Why? Because fuck you.

Roguelikes generally have minimalistic graphics, most often just using ASCII and colors to represent everything with a surprising amount of detail once you get used to it. Although the games differ greatly in scope and approach they generally have a few things in common. Levels and items are procedurally generated, usually starting unidentified so the player is forced to expend valuable resources IDing them or risk drinking poison like a retard. Combat is turn based, fast paced and brutal. Death is swift and irrevocable, and just to add insult to injury the game usually deletes your save file for good measure.

Notable Roguelikes

• Rogue

The great granpappy of all Roguelikes. Looks like chewed over ass and plays about as well but you'd better have some motherfucking respect, this thing basically created modern gaming industry.

• Nethack

Arguably the most balanced traditional roguelike. Doesn't take itself too seriously. It's known for creating a subgenre called "hacklikes", which put a greater focus on resource management, improvisation, secret knowledge and spectacular, bullshit zany schemes.

• CATACLYSM: Dark Days Ahead

Cataclysm DDA is what happens when you take people from the Bay forums with a sizable knowlege of C++, and have them create a Sci-fi equivalent of Dwarf Fortress Adventure Mode.. This game starts you off at Day-0 of every apocalypse imaginable happening at the same time. It's key features include a Crafting system with literally thousands of unique items, a highly robust combat system reminiscent of Dwarf Fortress, and a vehicle creation system so robust, you can make a Life-sized LAND RAIDER in it. Don't believe me about the land raider? Here it is: [[1]]

Oh, and tilesets are available, with a menu-option to enable or disable the graphics if you still prefer the feel of ASCII

• Dungeon Crawl

Severely fun roguelike, occasionally quite imbalanced, with an insane set of classes, races, and gods. Also has one of the most diverse dungeon environments. Stone Soup version has a kickass tileset, an improved mouse-optional interface, more classes, more races, more gods, and more of generally everything. /tg/'s preferred roguelike.

• Doom RL

It's Doom, as a Roguelike. /tg/'s current second favorite behind Stone Soup. Wickedly difficult, prepare to have your anus ripped and torn.

• Ancient Domains of Mystery

Roguelike with a stronger plot element, allegedly.

• Castle of the Winds

Old-skool roguelike made in the glory days of Windows 3.1 shareware. Has a tileset.

• Dwarf Fortress

If you don't know what this is how did you even get here? Its got motherfucking dwarves, mining, goblin sieges, every other goddamn thing you could imagine, and a bunch you couldn't. Not strictly speaking a roguelike as much as a strategy sim but we can't stay mad at it.

• Red Rogue

Action roguelike written in Flash, intended as a sequel to the original Rogue. The flash file is small and you can save it locally to play without a net connection. Open-source, and dude writes articles about his design decisions.

• FTL: Faster Than Light

Babby's first roguelite. Currently popular due to regularly being on special offer on Steam, this multiple award winning game self-describes itself as "a real time Roguelike-like IN SPESS". A good way to ease into the genre.

• The Binding Of Isaac

A roguelite shooter by Edmund McMillend, avalaible on Steam. What it lacks in fantasy (or sci-fi) ambientation, it more than makes up for it in sheer WTFery.

• Sunless Sea

Maritime roguelite available on Steam. Should appeal to fans of the works of H.P. Lovecraft.