ruleslike

Ruleslike is a term used in the context of game design and development to describe a game that is inspired by or resembles another game, but with significant differences. The term is often used to differentiate such games from direct clones or remakes, which aim to replicate the original game as closely as possible. Games that are ruleslike often share similar mechanics, themes, or aesthetics with their inspirations, but introduce new elements or variations to create a unique experience.

The concept of ruleslike games is particularly prevalent in the role-playing game (RPG) genre, where games like "Pathfinder" and "Dungeons & Dragons" have inspired numerous ruleslike systems. These systems often retain the core mechanics of the original game, such as character creation, combat rules, and skill systems, but add new content, such as unique races, classes, or settings, to create a fresh experience.

Ruleslike games can also be found in other genres, such as strategy games, where a game like "Civilization" might inspire a ruleslike game that focuses on a different historical period or introduces new gameplay mechanics. Similarly, in the puzzle game genre, a game like "Tetris" might inspire a ruleslike game that features different shapes or a unique scoring system.

The term ruleslike is often used by game developers and designers to describe their games, as it acknowledges the influence of other games while emphasizing the unique aspects of their own creation. It is also used by players and critics to describe games that they enjoy, as it highlights the similarities and differences between games, and allows for a more nuanced discussion of gameplay experiences.