Ancient Domains of Mystery
Ancient Domains of Mystery (ADOM) is a popular open source roguelike fantasy video game featuring a deep storyline, tactical turn-based combat, and intricate character development mechanics. It offers randomly generated dungeons and environments to explore along with hundreds of
fantasy
dungeon-crawler
turnbased
open-world
procedurally-generated
permadeath
Ancient Domains of Mystery
Open source roguelike fantasy video game featuring a deep storyline, tactical turn-based combat, and intricate character development mechanics
What is Ancient Domains of Mystery?
Ancient Domains of Mystery (ADOM) is an open source roguelike fantasy video game first released in 1994. It features a deep storyline where the player takes on the role of an adventurer investigating the disruption of the cosmic balance. The game takes place in the fictional world of Ancardia which contains a variety of environments to explore including forests, mountains, caves, small villages, and large cities.
Gameplay in ADOM consists of tactical, turn-based combat and intricate character development mechanics. The player explores randomly generated dungeons and encounters hundreds of monsters to fight. Defeating monsters earns experience points to increase your character's stats and levels. There is no class system, allowing you to customize your character's skills as desired. The game offers a corruption and mutation system, where chaotic acts or interacting with chaotic beings can transform and corrupt your character.
Some key features of ADOM include:
- Hundreds of quests, items, and monsters to discover across Ancardia
- Randomly generated dungeons, landscapes, and towns
- Challenging turn-based tactical combat
- Corruption and mutation mechanic that transforms your character
- No defined classes - customize your character's skills freely
- Comedic elements mixed alongside dark fantasy themes
Having been in continuous development since 1994, ADOM has evolved significantly over time to refine its gameplay balance and content offering. Its open source nature has allowed fans to also contribute their own mods and additions to the game. ADOM remains one of the most popular and influential traditional roguelike RPGs out there.
Ancient Domains of Mystery Features
Features
- Procedurally generated open world with dungeons, towns, and wilderness to explore
- Hundreds of quests and NPCs with dialogue trees
- Turn-based tactical combat with spells, ranged weapons, and melee attacks
- Character creation with multiple races, classes, skills, and attributes
- Permadeath gameplay with randomized levels for replayability
- Crafting, alchemy, and magic systems for character progression
- Challenging boss fights and rare loot drops
- Party-based gameplay with recruitable companions
- Morality and reputation system that affects NPC interactions
Pricing
- Open Source
- Free
Pros
Huge open world with tons of content
High replay value due to randomization
Deep character customization system
Challenging and strategic combat
Active modding community adds new content
Free and open source
Cons
Dated graphics
Steep learning curve
Can feel repetitive after long play sessions
Storytelling is minimal
Difficulty spikes may frustrate some players
Official Links
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