Hoglike

Hoglike is a term used to describe a subgenre of role-playing video games that are heavily inspired by the roguelike genre. These games share many core characteristics with traditional roguelikes, such as procedural generation of levels, turn-based combat, and permanent death. However, hoglikes distinguish themselves with a greater emphasis on melee combat and often feature a more action-oriented approach compared to the more strategic and sometimes slower pace of classic roguelikes.

The "hog" in hoglike is often attributed to games that focus on a brutish, close-quarters fighting style. Players typically control characters who are proficient with melee weapons and engage in direct confrontations with enemies. This can involve abilities like charging, cleaving, or other forceful attacks. While magic or ranged options might exist, the primary gameplay loop revolves around engaging enemies head-on.

Key elements found in hoglikes include permadeath, where the player must start over from the beginning upon death, and procedurally generated environments that ensure each playthrough offers a unique experience. Resource management, character progression through items and skills, and challenging combat encounters are also common. The genre appeals to players who enjoy high-stakes gameplay, replayability, and the satisfaction of mastering challenging combat systems. Examples of games that are often cited as influential or representative of the hoglike style include Barony, Necropolis, and Tangledeep.