annihilationlike

Annihilationlike is a term used in gaming to describe a subgenre of roguelike games that deviate from traditional roguelike mechanics by incorporating elements such as a persistent world, a stronger narrative focus, and often, less punishing permadeath systems. While traditional roguelikes are characterized by procedurally generated levels, turn-based combat, and a strict adherence to permadeath where the player loses all progress upon death, annihilationlike games tend to offer a more curated experience.

These games often feature a more structured world that may be partially persistent between playthroughs, allowing players to unlock new abilities, items, or areas that persist. The narrative can be more central to the gameplay, guiding the player through a story or lore that might be absent or minimal in classic roguelikes. Combat might still be real-time or a hybrid system, moving away from the strictly turn-based nature. Permadeath in annihilationlikes can be softened; sometimes it means losing character progress but retaining meta-progression, or the world itself might not reset entirely. The term is a portmanteau of "annihilation," referring to the often challenging nature and the potential for complete failure, and "roguelike," acknowledging their roots in the genre. Examples of games that are often cited as belonging to or influencing the annihilationlike style include Hades, Dead Cells, and Curse of the Dead Gods.