Summary
- Dungeon-crawling is rooted in tabletop role-playing games like D&D and offers addictive gameplay loops.
- Recent additions to the genre are accessible, calling back to old-school design while offering modern twists.
- Games like Devil Spire, Slasher's Keep, Dark And Darker, Barony, Lunacid, and Mortal Sin are worth exploring.
Dungeon-crawling is one of gaming's most treasured pastimes, with roots in tabletop role-playing games such as old-school Dungeons & Dragons. The simple but addictive gameplay loop of delving into dungeons, defeating monsters, and looting as much treasure as humanly possible, can be tremendously fun - and easy to learn - when done right.
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While there have been an unending number of dungeon crawlers released throughout history, many featuring a first-person perspective, recent additions to the genre have proven to be accessible while calling back to the old-school design and presentation of the greats. Of course, these modern titles stand on the shoulders of giants: King's Field, Shadow Tower, and The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall are tremendous old-school dungeon crawlers that are a must-try for any fan of older games. Those who have exhausted the annals of dungeon-crawling history, however, should consider the following.
1 Devil Spire
A Pseudo-3D Dungeon-Crawler With A Slow Pace
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: 2023
- Developer(s): Ithiro Sumi, Lucas Perdomo, Lucas Bressan
- Genre: Dungeon Crawler
Combining 3D environments with 2D sprites, Devil Spire offers a nostalgic aesthetic rooted in dark dungeons and gloomy environments. The game plays at a relatively slow pace, especially compared to other dungeon crawlers, but this ensures each encounter feels intense and methodical.
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Devil Spire isn't the deepest of roguelike dungeon-crawlers (see more traditional experiences such as Caves Of Qud or Cogmind). Still, the 3D exploration and first-person perspective may make it more engaging for those who find it hard to enjoy the minimalist look of classic roguelikes.
2 Slasher's Keep
A Hack-And-Slash Dungeon-Crawler With A Cartoon Style
- Platform(s): PC
- Released: 2020
- Developer(s): Damian Schloter
- Genre: Roguelite
This hack-and-slash dungeon-crawler features a unique hand-painted cartoon aesthetic that combines digital 2D drawings with similarly styled 3D environments, offering charming visuals that can be deceiving. Slasher's Keep can be quite the challenge.
Slasher's Keep is a first-person roguelite, featuring a perk system and the ability to save equipment for the next run. The game's hack-and-slash combat is somewhat basic on the surface, but the variety of weapon types and unique moves deepen the experience. Combined with more immersive elements, such as an innovative system for crafting weapons and simple additions such as the ability to knock enemies into traps, Slasher's Keep makes for a rewarding dungeon-crawler that takes full advantage of its first-person perspective.
3 Dark And Darker
A Deadly Dungeon-Crawl Combined With Multiplayer Extraction
Dark and Darker
A little rough around the edges, to be sure, and following a familiar extraction-shooter gameplay loop, Dark And Darker's structure will be instantly recognizable to fans of Escape From Tarkov, but the game features a medieval fantasy theme similar to old-school Dungeons & Dragons, and a slow-paced combat system that takes some time to get used to.
Dark And Darker's slow and methodical combat, as well as the deadliness of its cast of enemies, may be the deciding factor of a player's enjoyment in its dark and dangerous dungeons, as its laborious animations make every action an important one. For fans of old-school Dungeons & Dragons, slower-paced games, and the gameplay structure of extraction shooters, Dark And Darker is worth a shot, especially as the game can be played for free with few limitations.
4 Barony
An Unforgiving Roguelike Dungeon-Crawler With Online Co-Op
Barony
- Released
- April 4, 2015
- Developer(s)
- Turning Wheel
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike
Featuring voxel-based 3D models and environments painted in rich pixel art textures, Barony is a uniquely stylish indie dungeon-crawler with a first-person perspective. Barony is frequently unforgiving, as its dungeons are rife with deadly traps and dangerous enemies. This is furthered by the game's status as an action roguelike, though the RPG systems and abundance of loot frequently reward players as they progress.
Barony can be rewarding in itself, but the inclusion of online and local multiplayer elevates the gameplay to new heights, providing a chaotic and cooperative experience. The brutality of its dungeons and the frequency with which runs end in sudden death may be frustrating for some, but overcoming Barony's challenges is part of the fun.
5 Lunacid
An Atmospheric RPG Dungeon-Crawler That Hearkens Back To Old-School FromSoftware
Lunacid
Taking great inspiration from FromSoftware's older titles, such as King's Field and Shadow Tower, Lunacid is a deeply atmospheric first-person RPG with an emphasis on dungeon-crawling gameplay and methodical combat. Lunacid's greatest strength isn't its combat, however, but its immersive and atmospheric dark fantasy world.
Despite having a clear old-school influence both in its design and its visuals, Lunacid is a polished experience that frequently feels good to play and features a well-realized aesthetic. Lunacid certainly has its own style and sense of absurdity, with some unique characters and enemy designs that provide a sense of discovery throughout the experience.
6 Mortal Sin
A Fast-Paced Dungeon-Crawl With Visceral Melee Combat
Mortal Sin
Though its visuals may be an acquired taste with a bright and vivid, not to mention abrasive, use of color, Mortal Sin is a visceral hack-and-slash dungeon-crawler in which there's never a dull moment. This is thanks in large part to the game's well-crafted melee combat, which is both weighty and engaging, attributes facilitated by expressive animations, presentation, and a combo system.
The strange, dark-fantasy world of Mortal Sin is also an intriguing one, with the visuals and enemy designs making for dungeons and environments that are frequently rewarding to explore. The loot is also largely rewarding, primarily because Mortal Sin's variety of weapons is incredibly diverse.
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