Elona

Elona is a freeware roguelike role‑playing video game developed by Japanese designer Noa. First released in 2007 for Windows, it blends traditional roguelike mechanics with open‑world exploration and simulation elements. The title is notable for its breadth of content, dark humor, and strong moddability, which led to several improved editions and community patches, most prominently Elona Plus.

In gameplay, players create a character and explore a world of towns, dungeons, and wilderness. The game uses turn‑based, tile‑based combat and supports long‑term character development through skills, equipment, and magic. The world is highly interactive: players trade, craft items, recruit NPCs, adopt pets, and undertake quests. Elona emphasizes non‑linear progression, permitting multiple play styles, from warrior to mage to merchant.

The game is set in the fantasy world of Elona, a land of diverse regions, factions, and hazards. The tone blends serious fantasy elements with whimsy, a hallmark of the game's humor and narrative style.

Development and reception: Noa released the original version in 2007 as freeware, and the project spawned widely used derivatives such as Elona Plus, which expanded content and features. Elona has a dedicated, though relatively small, player community and is frequently cited for depth and freedom within roguelikes. Critics note a steep learning curve, austere interface, and ASCII graphics as barriers to newcomers.