If one were to ask the question: "What can the human mind create when possessed by the spirit of hard work, ingenuity, polish and a pint of cruelty?" The answer I'd give is they create Desktop Dungeons! While not a roguelike in the strictest sense, it still borrows elements from its more robust brethen, perhaps the most interesting ones, to keep gameplay fresh between sessions. It looks casual enough, but those entering play with that kind of mindset will soon find themselves tripping and fumbling in a seemingly endless streak of deaths and faiilures. Take heart, though. Desktop Dungeons is one of those "easy to learn, hard to master" games and rewards wise use of resources, preparation and long term decision making. The more elements you unlock in the form of equippable gear and other goodies, the more nuanced the game becomes, to the point that every single point of health and every combat exchange counts. It all may sound overwhelming, but the game is as addicitve as it is deep, and you'll keep coming back for more, as each class-race combination and dungeon setting offers unique challenges, and while one could argue Desktop Dungeons is also a puzzle game, and that is partially true - it borrows bits and pieces from puzzlers as it does from resource management games and the aforementioned roguelikes, but with such a delicate genre balance that you'll find yourself wondering just what you're playing and how the unlikely combination can possibly work so well! While early in the game most runs are coffeebreak sized, there are challenges for players of all skill levels, so the replay value is potentially infinite - the game will last you for as long as you are willing to expand it and rediscover it. If you don't feel confident in my words, go grab the alpha version for free and have yourself a taste of this great game, I'm sure you'll soon return and get the definitive, much improved version here!
