Backspace Bouken
- December 6, 2019
- RNG Party Games
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Backspace Bouken" is a randomly generated action-adventure game where players explore procedurally generated dungeons, battle enemies, and collect items. The game features a unique mechanic of editing the game's text to affect the environment and gameplay. With permadeath, roguelike elements, and a variety of items and abilities, each playthrough offers a distinct experience.
Reviews
- The game cleverly integrates typing mechanics with dungeon crawling, making for an engaging and unique experience.
- It features charming humor and a nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of classic dungeon crawlers, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
- The adaptive difficulty based on typing speed adds a layer of challenge, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced typists.
- The game lacks a proper save system, which can lead to frustration during longer play sessions.
- Some players found the map navigation confusing, as there is no full-screen map available, making it easy to get lost.
- The initial difficulty setting based on typing speed can be unbalanced, potentially making the game too challenging for faster typists.
- gameplay18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Backspace Bouken combines classic dungeon crawling with typing mechanics, emphasizing speed and accuracy while introducing unique elements like a dodge mechanic. While the typing aspect is engaging and offers challenges through case sensitivity and surprises, some players find the dodge mechanic cumbersome and detracting from the overall experience. Despite mixed feelings about certain mechanics, the game is generally seen as fun and innovative, appealing to fans of both typing games and dungeon crawlers.
“Not only does it encourage you to be fast and accurate at typing, but there are a few thoughtful additional mechanics.”
“Backspace Bouken combines the experience of a classic dungeon crawler with the mechanics of a casual typing tutor game.”
“It's funny, clever, got great mechanics, and is just different enough to be satisfying without reinventing the wheel.”
“The introduction of the 'dodge' mechanic is easy to miss.”
“Why introduce a more or less necessary mechanic that requires you to regularly remove a hand from your keyboard's home row, and that you then reset your fingers in the heat of the moment?”
“Could have done without that mechanic at all.”
- humor12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its clever and engaging humor, featuring a mix of witty jokes and nostalgic references that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the funny dialogue, enjoyable atmosphere, and the way humor is seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, making it a standout in the typing game genre. Overall, it delivers a lighthearted and entertaining experience that keeps players laughing throughout.
“A fun game full of references and funny jokes (sometimes dad-jokes).”
“It's a nice take on the genre, with some clever humor along the way.”
“The game's story and humor are on point as well.”
- story9 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's story is engaging and charming, featuring a simple yet fun narrative complemented by humor and creative dialogue. Players appreciate the balance of quest length, finding it enjoyable without becoming tiresome, and the unique mechanics enhance the storytelling experience. Overall, the combination of cute art, great music, and endearing elements keeps players invested and eager to see what comes next.
“The game's story and humor are on point as well.”
“It's got a cute pixely art style, great music, a charming story, and it's better than I ever imagined a dungeon-crawling typing RPG could be.”
“The story is endearing, and it has a decent challenge towards the end.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their charming old-school aesthetic, reminiscent of classic dungeon crawlers, with a cute pixel art style that enhances the overall presentation. While some players find the visuals simple, they effectively complement the gameplay and contribute to a nostalgic experience. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point, adding to the game's appeal.
“The artwork and overall presentation is very good and reminds me of old-school dungeon crawlers like Dungeon Master and SMT.”
“It's got a cute pixely art style, great music, a charming story, and it's better than I ever imagined a dungeon-crawling typing RPG could be.”
“Trained typists need not apply, as there's little of interest to the game outside of a lot of groan-inducing puns and simple yet highly effective graphics.”
“Old school graphics and sound.”
“The old-style graphics and dungeon crawling are charming.”
- music7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic, soothing quality, complementing the quirky writing and charming visuals. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as both enjoyable and atmospheric, enhancing the overall experience of the dungeon-crawling typing RPG.
“I enjoyed the quirky writing, pun-filled sentences, and I found the soundtrack pretty soothing.”
“It's got some great humor and some really cool and relaxing music!”
“It's got a cute pixely art style, great music, a charming story, and it's better than I ever imagined a dungeon-crawling typing RPG could be.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic titles, complemented by enjoyable enemy and level design, humorous dialogue, and atmospheric music. Players appreciate the blend of charm and humor that enhances the overall experience.
“Finished in one go, enjoyed the Wolfenstein 3D/Dungeon Master nostalgia and the nice atmosphere and kind humor.”
“Loved the overall atmosphere and the puns.”
“Enjoyable enemy and level art, funny dialogue, and atmospheric music.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game offers limited replayability due to its lack of procedural generation, but players can engage with optional collectibles for achievements and utilize a built-in speedrun timer to enhance their experience. Overall, while it may not have extensive replay value, many find it worth the price.
“It doesn't have much replayability, since it isn't procedurally generated or anything, but I thought it was worth the price.”
“As for replayability, there are optional collectibles (for achievements) and a built-in speedrun timer.”
