Roguelikelikes

Roguelikelikes are a subgenre of role-playing video games that draw inspiration from the 1980 game Rogue. While not strictly adhering to the original's core mechanics, roguelikelikes share a common set of design principles. These games typically feature permadeath, meaning that when a player character dies, all progress is lost and the game must be restarted from the beginning. This often necessitates a high degree of replayability, with procedurally generated levels and randomized item drops ensuring that each playthrough offers a unique experience.

Another defining characteristic of roguelikelikes is their turn-based gameplay. Actions are taken one at a time, allowing players to carefully consider their options and strategize their moves. Resource management is also a crucial element, as players must contend with limited health, ammunition, and other vital supplies. The focus is on emergent gameplay, where simple mechanics interact to create complex and unpredictable situations. While the original Rogue was tile-based and text-based, modern roguelikelikes often feature graphical interfaces, though the core tenets of challenge and emergent complexity remain. The genre emphasizes player skill and knowledge over character progression in a traditional sense, rewarding mastery of the game's systems.