Desktop Dungeons

The Good
Review Version: v1.0
Review Date: December 9, 2012.
Review Length: 1 (one) page.
Game Version: v0.105
Tech Specs Used: Intel Core 2 6300 1.86 Ghz CPU, 3 GB Memory, 512 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT Video Card.
Finished: Almost half done. Tough to beat.
Last time played: December, 2012.
Preferred Character Class: Assassin.
Classes unlocked: 13 out of 15.
Races unlocked: 6 out of 6.
Scenarios unlocked: 6 out 9.

Out of all the Rogue variants out there, this is probably one of less than a handful of those games worth mentioning. Why? First of all, it isn't a total clone of the original Rogue game. Most of the variants just add bigger rooms, items, or basically just adding stuff to the original version. Desktop Dungeons can hardly be called a clone in this regard, because it's a total overhaul, introducing various new and independent features not unique to the original Rogue game. This included classes, races, different scenario types, and a style of rules unique to this game.

The most obvious difference is this game, health and mana regeneration does not regenerate by moving. It's regenerated by exploring unexplored tiles, which is limited. To that extent, the game plays out more as a strategy game as the player has to calculate each turn efficiently enough to regenerate health after each combat encounter while not exploring too much as to limit health and regeneration opportunities.

Graphically, the game is by far one of the most advanced in its immediate genre. It's not based on ASCII graphics as one would expect from Rogue variants. Sound and music is simple but good enough to fit this game. Overall, the combination of all the elements in this game is quite excellent.

The Bad
It's hard.

Unlocking the several features in the game such as classes and scenarios would be a challenge even for hardcore gamers. As in many Rogue variants, luck is an integral variable for the player to successfully beat any given scenario. Luck, hence is mildly annoying if you started off at a bad location, surrounded by high level monsters, and not enough items.

The Bottom Line
This is probably the most modern version of an RPG Tetris game. You know, that kind of game that's small, quick to load, and just play for a several minutes when you're bored. As far as this game goes in its field, I'd give it a solid 8.0-8.5 out of 10. It's small, it's free, and it's fun. Might as well give it a go.