Theroguelikegenre of video games can be entertaining and challenging for some, while being extremely annoying and time-consuming to others. The core gameplay of a roguelike is based around one aspect — if you die or fail during the game, you must start over from the beginning.
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The game around that could be anything from aside-scrolling hack and slashto adeckbuilding-based dungeon crawler. There have been many entries in the genre over the years, and the very best have come from indie developers. This list will count down the very best roguelike games you should try today if you haven’t already.
10Crypt Of The NecroDancer
Crypt Of The NecroDanceris both a good roguelike andone of the best rhythm gamesout there. You must make quick and snappy judgments if you want to be good at this game. Gameplay consists of moving on the beat of the game’s catchy soundtrack to defeat various monsters and bosses, each more difficult than the last due to an increase in tempo.
The better you do at staying on the beat, the higher the combo you will gain, resulting in even more points and damage dealing potential. There are also time limits on the levels, so you have to stay on your toes.
Spelunkyis perhaps one of the hardest entries into the roguelike genre, despite its cute visuals. It is also one of the first games to invent the modern roguelike genre. Every step made in this game is a gamble because literally everything has the possibility to kill you.
Your goal is to collect as much treasure as you can while staying alive to be able to leave the cave at the end. The tiniest victory in this game can give you the greatest sense of satisfaction.
8Enter The Gungeon
Devolver Digital’sEnter The Gungeonis another great entry into the roguelike genre. In a world where everything is based on being a gun or a bullet, you must enter the ‘Gungeon’ after choosing one of the four unique characters. Each one possesses their own unique abilities and skill sets.
You’ll need to constantly be dodging bullets and enemy attacks if you want to find all the secrets the game has to offer, as well as making sure you have the best guns you may find. The game is known for its bullet-filled boss fights that can be challenging, yet rewarding if you manage to beat them. It’s literally a ‘bullet hell.’
7Inscryption
This game took the internet by storm when it was released.Inscryptionshook up the roguelike genre by having an immersive and unsettling story, great art direction, and excellent gameplay. The game is a deck-building roguelike with anunsettling atmosphere. You’ll alternate your gameplay between the deck-building ‘main game’ and solving puzzles in the room your character is trapped in, all in an attempt to escape.
Inscryption will keep you hooked from the beginning and have you always wanting to try new things with your deck. The visuals may put off some, but the game is still recommended for bringing new ideas to the genre.
6Risk Of Rain 2
Risk Of Rain 2is a funintroduction to roguelikesthat you and up to three of your friends can all experience at the same time. There are also 10playable characters, nine of which need to be unlocked through playing the game. Each of the characters have their own abilities that make them unique and change up the game’s core gameplay.
During a run, you mustpick up powerful itemsthat get attached to your character and change their stats, such as attack speed or healing ability. There are 100 different items to find and twelve unique planets to explore. Not to mention the aliens and creatures you’ll fight along the way.
5The Binding Of Isaac
The Binding Of Isaacis one of the original games to set the standard for the modern roguelike genre. Since the game’s release in 2011, it has gained a huge cult following despite it’s off-putting visuals. The game is technically a top-down shooter game, where the shots fired are your tears.
While playing as Isaac or one of the other characters, you must explore Mom’s Basement, collect items, and fightbrutal bullet hell bosses. All the bosses and enemies are very grotesque and a bit of an acquired taste. Binding Of Isaac is one of those games that you should try at least once, though the aesthetic isn’t for everyone.
4Darkest Dungeon
This game is one of the most visually interesting roguelike games out there.Darkest Dungeonmixes the best elements of dungeon crawlers with all the randomness and difficulties of roguelikes. While exploring the game’s cursed manor grounds, you will come across all manner of horrors and monsters with very detailed artwork.
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The game is all about building up the perfect team, while constantly under the threat of losing the characters forever. The game also features an interesting sanity system, as well as the ability to get random positive and negative perks on your characters. Darkest Dungeon is highly recommended for hardcore roguelike players, despite itsgrueling difficulty.
Dead Cellsis the amazing love child of the roguelike and Metroidvania genre. It features the core aspect of staring over after death from roguelikes, while feature beautiful backgrounds and level designs of aMetroidvaniagame. There are a total of 13 levels to play through, with four bosses scattered throughout those levels to keep you interested.
The game also features 90 different weapons to choose from, including weapons from fellow indie games likeHollow Knightand Curse Of The Dead Gods. You will also upgrade three color-based stats that increase your damage and total health. Mastering Dead Cells' combat is a joy, catering to the roguelike’s penchant for ‘just one more round’ gameplay.
2Slay The Spire
Slay The Spireis by far the best deck-building entry in the roguelike genre. The game feature four characters to choose from, each with their own unique decks that can be built upon during a run of the game. The game also features a unique art style with its character and monster designs.
The gameplay is turn based and requires some thinking ahead to beat your opponents and climb your way up the Spire. The bosses can be challenging, but they often reward you with amazing cards or artifacts to up your game.
Hadesis by far the very best that the roguelike genre has to offer. The game features an amazing and unforgettable art style as well as full voice acting for all the characters, including Zagreus, the main protagonist.
The story is all about escaping the layers of Greek mythology’s afterlife while fighting spirits of the dead as well aschallenging bosses from Greek mythology. You will also collect boons and gold given to you by your family on Olympus, who wish to help you on your journey. The hack and slash gameplay is tight and controls very well.This game is a must-playfor fans of video games. Period.
