Summary
- Release Year: 2009
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Brogue: A Roguelike Masterpiece
Brogue is a roguelike video game developed by Brian Walker and released in 2009. It is a turn-based dungeon crawler in which the player controls a lone adventurer who must explore a randomly generated dungeon and defeat its monsters. Brogue is known for its challenging gameplay, its ASCII graphics, and its innovative use of procedural generation.
Gameplay
Brogue is a turn-based roguelike, meaning that the player and the monsters take turns moving and acting. The player character can move in any of the eight cardinal directions, and can attack monsters with a variety of weapons and spells. Monsters can also move and attack, and they will often use their own unique abilities to try to defeat the player.
The goal of Brogue is to reach the bottom of the dungeon and defeat the final boss. However, this is no easy task. The dungeon is filled with dangerous monsters, traps, and other hazards. The player must carefully manage their resources and make strategic decisions in order to survive.
ASCII Graphics
Brogue uses ASCII graphics to represent the game world. This may seem like a limitation, but Walker uses ASCII to great effect. The graphics are simple, but they are also highly effective at conveying the atmosphere of the dungeon. The player can easily see the monsters, the traps, and the other obstacles in their path.
Procedural Generation
Brogue uses procedural generation to create its dungeons. This means that the dungeons are randomly generated each time the player starts a new game. This ensures that the player will never experience the same dungeon twice.
Procedural generation also makes Brogue more challenging. The player cannot memorize the layout of the dungeon, so they must be prepared for anything. This makes Brogue a much more rewarding experience than roguelikes that use static dungeons.
Legacy
Brogue has been praised by critics for its challenging gameplay, its innovative use of procedural generation, and its ASCII graphics. It has been included in several lists of the best roguelikes of all time.
Brogue has also been influential in the development of other roguelikes. For example, the popular roguelike Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup was inspired by Brogue.
Conclusion
Brogue is a masterpiece of the roguelike genre. It is a challenging, rewarding, and innovative game that has set the standard for other roguelikes. If you are a fan of roguelikes, or if you are just looking for a great game to play, then you should definitely check out Brogue.
Tips for Playing Brogue
Here are a few tips for playing Brogue:
- Be careful. Brogue is a challenging game, and it is easy to die. Take your time and think carefully about your every move.
- Use your resources wisely. Food and potions are scarce in Brogue, so use them wisely. Don’t be afraid to use them when you need them, but don’t waste them.
- Explore the dungeon thoroughly. There are many hidden secrets in Brogue, so be sure to explore every nook and cranny. You may find valuable items or hidden paths that can help you on your journey.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Brogue is a complex game with many different possibilities. Don’t be afraid to try different strategies and see what works best for you.
Additional Information
- Developer: Brian Walker
- Release Date: 2009
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Price: Free
- Website: https://brogue.roguelikelike.com/
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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