Classic Rogue

Classic Rogue: An Open-Source Roguelike Dungeon Crawler Game

A classic open-source roguelike game with ASCII graphics, procedurally generated levels and permadeath gameplay, requiring players to restart from the beginning upon death.

What is Classic Rogue?

Classic Rogue is considered one of the first major roguelike games ever made. First developed in 1980, it featured many elements that later became staples of the roguelike genre - ASCII graphics, procedurally generated dungeon levels, permadeath gameplay, and a high difficulty level.

In Rogue, the player ventures down into a dungeon, contending with monsters, traps, and finding treasures as they descend deeper into the depths. Each level of the dungeon is randomly generated, providing a new layout and set of challenges each time. The graphics are simple, with ASCII characters representing the dungeon, monsters, items, and the player character.

Gameplay is turn-based, with players able to move, attack enemies, use items, and more during their turns. There is no saving in Rogue - dying means the player must start the whole game over from the beginning. This high difficulty and permanent death helped make the game very replayable as mastering it took great skill.

Rogue became quite influential in the early days of the RPG genre, laying down many foundational mechanics for roguelikes. Its randomization and permanent death later became defining features of the genre. Graphically and gameplay-wise very simple, Rogue nonetheless offered deep and engaging gameplay for early computer RPG fans.

Classic Rogue Features

Official Links