Summary
- Release Year: 2012
- Genres: Indie, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
- Platforms: Android, Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Waz Games
- Publishers: Waz
WazHack: A Deep Dive into the Ultimate Roguelike
Introduction
WazHack is a dungeon-crawling roguelike that takes inspiration from classics like Nethack and Angband, while adding its own unique blend of strategy, puzzle-solving, and adventure. Released in 2012, WazHack has garnered a loyal following among fans of the genre, thanks to its immense replayability, challenging difficulty, and charming pixel art style.
Gameplay
At its core, WazHack is a turn-based dungeon crawler. You control a single character who explores randomly generated dungeons, fights monsters, and solves puzzles. Time only moves forward when you do, so you can take your time to plan your moves and make strategic decisions.
There are 16 character classes to choose from, each with their own unique starting equipment, stats, belief system, and available talents. This variety ensures that each playthrough feels fresh and different.
As you explore the dungeon, you’ll find a vast array of over 300 unique items. These items can be used to improve your character’s stats, grant them new abilities, or even change the way the game is played. With so many items to discover, you’ll constantly be experimenting with new strategies and builds.
The monsters in WazHack are just as varied as the items. There are over 150 different types of monsters, each with their own unique attacks and abilities. This keeps the combat challenging and forces you to adapt your tactics on the fly.
Strategy and Puzzle-Solving
WazHack is not just about fighting monsters. It also requires a healthy dose of strategy and puzzle-solving. Many of the puzzles in WazHack are environmental, such as figuring out how to open a locked door or cross a chasm. Others are more abstract, such as choosing the right combination of items to use in a given situation.
One of the things that makes WazHack so unique is that it encourages experimentation. There is no one right way to play the game, and you’re free to try out different strategies and tactics to see what works best for you. This makes for a truly immersive and engaging experience.
Replayability
One of the best things about WazHack is its immense replayability. The procedurally-generated dungeons and vast array of possible items mean that no two playthroughs are ever the same. This ensures that you’ll always have a new challenge to face, even after you’ve played the game for dozens of hours.
Art and Music
WazHack’s pixel art style is charming and evocative. The dungeons are dark and atmospheric, and the monsters are suitably creepy. The music is also excellent, with a mix of ambient tracks and more upbeat battle themes.
Community
WazHack has a small but dedicated community of fans. There are several active forums and online communities where players can share tips, strategies, and mods. The developers are also very active in the community, and they regularly release updates and new content.
Conclusion
WazHack is a truly exceptional roguelike that offers a unique blend of strategy, puzzle-solving, and adventure. With its immense replayability, challenging difficulty, and charming pixel art style, WazHack is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
9/10