moglike

moglike is a term used to describe a type of video game that draws inspiration from the classic roguelike genre but with a focus on character progression and accumulation of power, often in a persistent world. Unlike traditional roguelikes where each playthrough is a fresh start, moglikes typically allow players to retain certain upgrades, items, or abilities between sessions. This persistent progression can manifest in various ways, such as permanent stat increases, unlocking new classes or skills, or accumulating resources that carry over.

The core gameplay loop of a moglike often involves exploring procedurally generated environments, engaging in turn-based or real-time combat, and collecting loot. However, the emphasis shifts from the strict permadeath and resource management of traditional roguelikes to a more gradual and rewarding sense of growth. Players might find themselves investing time into upgrading their character's base stats, unlocking powerful passive bonuses, or acquiring a collection of rare items that make subsequent runs significantly easier or offer new strategic options.

This design philosophy makes moglikes appealing to players who enjoy the exploration and combat elements of roguelikes but also desire a more tangible sense of advancement and long-term goals. The "mog" in moglike is thought to be a portmanteau of "more" and "roguelike," reflecting this desire for more persistent progression. Examples of games that embody the moglike spirit might feature meta-progression systems that persist across runs, influencing future attempts at conquering the game's challenges.