Semibrogue

Semibrogue is a label used in video game design criticism to describe a hybrid class of roguelike-inspired games that mix core roguelike mechanics with elements drawn from other genres. In semibrogues, players typically navigate procedurally generated levels and engage in strategic, grid-based combat, features associated with roguelikes, while also incorporating forms of persistent progression, narrative framing, or real-time action that extend beyond a single run.

Designs labeled semibrogue often retain the tactical risk-reward decisions of traditional roguelikes but soften or restructure death, allowing progress to accumulate between sessions or presenting non-linear story objectives. Pacing may alternate between turn-based exploration and time-limited sequences, and visual presentation can range from classic tile graphics to modern, high-fidelity graphics. The balance aims to preserve strategic depth while broadening accessibility.

Etymology and usage: The term combines 'semi-' with 'Brogue,' referencing the open-source roguelike Brogue and the general roguelike family. It is an informal descriptor that appears mainly in design discussions, blogs, and niche criticism rather than formal taxonomy, and its exact boundaries vary among commentators.

Relation to other genres: Semibrogue sits between traditional roguelikes and roguelites, but there is no consensus on its precise definition. Critics argue the label can both clarify a game's design intent and obscure it through imprecision, while proponents see it as a useful shorthand for a specific hybrid approach that emphasizes experimentation within roguelike heritage.