What Are Roguelikes?
This is most likely just a me problem, but I could never quite understand what a "roguelike" game is. I knew there had to be one key defining feature, but when I would go look up the definition of what a "roguelike" is, I would find somewhat convoluted definitions.
The closest I got to finding the definition was on a page that explained that a roguelike is a game where the player experiences permadeath and the levels are procedurally generated. The article I read didn't really explain why the two features go together, and I didn't play any roguelikes growing up, so I just shrugged and assumed that these games must not be for me.
I of course did the lazy thing that I can do in 2025 and I asked Gemini to tell me what the one truly defining feature of a roguelike is. I'm glad I did, because the answer it gave me finally made sense to me. The one truly defining feature of a roguelike is permadeath. Procedurally generated levels make the game be not-boring to re-play over and over.
And that's the point. The joy of a roguelike is in mastering the game's systems. Each time you die, you don't really lose. You gain just a little bit more mastery of the game's systems.
A History Lesson
I had to ask Gemini for a bit of a history lesson. A game called Beneath Apple Manor, released in 1978, predates the eponymous game, Rogue, by two years. Rogue was developed by Michael Toy and Glenn Wichman, and was distributed via BSD UNIX, which meant it was installed on university mainframes across the world. This made it free and accessible to the demographic (computer science students) most likely to enjoy that style of gameplay.
Maybe I Hate Roguelikes?
I had this idea in my head that roguelikes are a high-stress, twitchy experience. I mentioned this to Gemini, and then it explained to me what roguelites are.
In Gemini's own words:
In a Roguelike (the purist version), if you die, you restart from zero. In a Roguelite, if you die, you lose that specific "run," but you keep the currency or experience points you earned. You then use that currency to buy permanent upgrades (more health, better starting weapons) that make the next run easier.
Apparently the Hades and Vampire Survivors games are examples of roguelites.
Recommendations
Just because a genre of video game isn't for me doesn't mean I've dismissed it. I don't see myself playing any roguelikes or even roguelites any time soon, but I still wanted to honor the genre by asking Gemini for recommendations, both recent and upcoming, and separated by those I might love, and those I might hate. Below are the recommendations Gemini came up with:
You Might LOVE:
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Metal Slug Tactics (Released late 2024)
- Why: It takes the classic Metal Slug action game and turns it into a turn-based tactical RPG (like Final Fantasy Tactics). Dev Note: This game is a masterclass in modern, high-fidelity pixel art and animation. It’s gorgeous to look at and respects your time with shorter runs.
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Honkai: Star Rail - "Simulated Universe" Mode
- Why: While Star Rail is a gacha RPG, its permanent "Simulated Universe" mode is a fully fleshed-out roguelite. The Fit: It hits your "High-Quality Anime" requirement perfectly (it is stunning 3D anime style) and is turn-based. You collect blessings (upgrades) and fight bosses without any reflex stress.
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- Why: A "Poker Roguelite" that took the world by storm. You play illegal poker hands with modifying Joker cards. -The Fit: It has that "just one more turn" addiction but is entirely chill. No enemies attacking you, just math and vibes.
You Might HATE:
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- Why: From the creators of Dead Cells. It is hyper-fast, dash-heavy, and focused on speed. It looks great, but it requires that "locked-in" focus you want to avoid after work.
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- Why: Very acrobatic, wall-running, fast-paced combat. If you are tired, you will likely just fall off a wall and get frustrated.
(those are not affiliate links by the way)
What do you think? Are you a fan of roguelikes or roguelites?
-Kairos Anamnesis
Comments? Send me an email! kairosanamnesis@gmail.com