Discussion about the Roguelike of the Year poll and the controversy surrounding the selection. Update on the voting figures and the lack of successful 7-day roguelikes this year. Praise for Vicious Orcs and its inspiration on Card Quest. Mentions of Larn HD, a game that makes old Roguelike games accessible online. Exploration of different roguelike games, their features, and the popularity of mobile devices for playing. Discussion about Calicalism, a roguelike game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Vision for the future of the genre and the impact of game interfaces.
The Roguelike of the Year poll celebrates the greatness of roguelikes and highlights lesser-known gems within the genre.
Dungeons of Dreadmore and The Binding of Isaac are standout roguelike-inspired games praised for their innovative gameplay and immersive experiences.
The roguelike genre continues to evolve and grow, with new releases pushing boundaries and showcasing the diversity and creativity within the community.
Deep dives
The Roguelike of the Year poll
Andrew Dole started the "Roguelike of the Year" poll five years ago to celebrate the greatness of roguelikes and highlight lesser-known gems. The poll features a list of 40 roguelikes compiled from various sources, and users are invited to vote for their favorite game of the year. The winners are determined by the number of votes received, showcasing the popularity and appreciation of these games within the community. The poll has grown in popularity over the years, generating discussions and debates about the definition and qualities of roguelikes.
Dungeons of Dreadmore and the Binding of Isaac
Dungeons of Dreadmore and the Binding of Isaac are two standout roguelike-inspired games that have garnered significant attention and praise. Dungeons of Dreadmore, developed by Gaslamp Games, is commended for its excellent game design, graphical presentation, and its ability to capture the essence of classic roguelike mechanics. The Binding of Isaac, developed by Edmund McMillen and Florian Himsl, offers a unique blend of roguelike elements and action-adventure gameplay, resulting in a challenging and immersive experience. Both games have received accolades within the indie game community and have been praised for their innovation and gameplay depth.
Other notable roguelikes
In addition to Dungeons of Dreadmore and the Binding of Isaac, several other roguelikes have also garnered attention and praise. Examples include UnReal World, Legend of Yore, Cataclysm, Cardinal Quest, and Vicious Orcs. These games offer a variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from survival in post-apocalyptic settings to classic dungeon-crawling adventures. Each game brings its own unique twist to the roguelike genre, showcasing the diversity and creativity within the community of developers.
The future of roguelikes
The year 2011 has been hailed as the year of the roguelike, with an abundance of new games and innovative features. The success and popularity of roguelikes continue to grow, with new and upcoming releases generating excitement and anticipation. Developers are pushing the boundaries, experimenting with new gameplay mechanics, and combining roguelike elements with other genres. The future looks bright for roguelikes, with the potential for even greater advancements, improvements, and memorable gaming experiences.
Conclusion
The Roguelike of the Year poll showcases the vibrant and innovative nature of the roguelike genre. Games like Dungeons of Dreadmore and the Binding of Isaac have captivated players with their unique gameplay mechanics and immersive experiences, while other notable roguelikes demonstrate the diversity and creativity within the community. As the roguelike genre continues to evolve and grow, there is much anticipation for the future and the potential for even greater gaming experiences.
Welcome to this week's episode of Roguelike Radio. Episode 17 celebrates the diversity and popularity of roguelikes with a discussion about the possibility of there being a roguelike of the year and what that even means. You can still vote for the 5th annual Ascii Dreams Roguelike of the Year as well, so take the opportunity to listen to the show then cast or change your vote. Talking this week are Darren Grey, Ido Yehieli and Andrew Doull.