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.

Typical definitions for Roguelikes

Rogue! Its the epic tale of some guy who need to get 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 general. 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.

Some 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. Low on humor, except for the jokey Tourist class, and almost everyone starts with a pet. Depth is insane, almost everything is possible.

• 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.

• Ancient Domains of Mystery

Roguelike with a stronger plot element, allegedly. Creator is a royal prick.

• Castle of the Winds

Old-skool roguelike made in the glory days of 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.