Delver Game Cover
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"Delver" is a single-player, fantasy hack and slash roguelike game with 90s FPS combat and classic RPG mechanics. The procedurally generated dungeons and permadeath system make for tough, yet engaging gameplay, with no grinding to save you. Despite some bugs, the exceptional visuals and music create a dense and immersive atmosphere, offering lots of replayability. Your mission: delve into the shifting dungeons, find the Yithidian orb, and survive.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Linux

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,732 reviews
graphics154 positive mentions
stability23 negative mentions
  • Charming retro pixel art style with a unique atmosphere.
  • Engaging gameplay with a good balance of challenge and exploration.
  • Randomly generated dungeons provide replayability and variety.
  • Limited content and variety in enemies and items can lead to repetitiveness.
  • Permadeath mechanic can be frustrating, especially with cheap deaths from traps.
  • Some bugs and glitches, such as crashes and issues with inventory management.
  • graphics341 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their charming pixel art style, which combines retro aesthetics with modern lighting effects, creating a visually appealing experience reminiscent of classic 90s games. Many players appreciate the vibrant colors and unique design that set it apart from other pixelated titles, while some note that the simplicity of the graphics allows for smooth performance even on lower-end systems. However, a few critiques mention that the visuals can sometimes hinder gameplay clarity, making navigation challenging in certain areas.

    • “The art style is cute and crispy, and there's plenty of post-processing effects to choose from to alter the vibe of the game to your liking.”
    • “The art style is unique enough that it stands out next to the likes of other blocky, pixelated games, but it still feels familiar; the colors and sprites used are reminiscent of the style of many beloved 90s games.”
    • “Just because something is low-res style doesn't mean it can't be fancy, and this is exactly the case of Delver, which mixes retro graphics with modern elements like dynamic lighting and shaders, to offer a visually pleasant experience overall.”
    • “Unfortunately, the game's graphics are so pixelated that even with everything turned all the way up, it is very hard for me to discern between the different objects, making navigation through the passages quite irritating.”
    • “The graphics may be off-putting, being that they belong more in the Doom era of gaming than they do today, but it is definitely executed well.”
    • “The graphics are cute, but the music is boring, and the gameplay is terrible.”
  • gameplay284 mentions

    The gameplay of Delver is characterized by its classic roguelike mechanics, featuring procedurally generated dungeons, diverse loot, and a straightforward combat system that is easy to grasp but lacks depth. While many players appreciate the charming pixel art and engaging atmosphere, some criticize the gameplay for being repetitive and simplistic, with limited mechanics and a lack of variety in playthroughs. Overall, it offers a fun, albeit shallow, dungeon-crawling experience that may appeal to fans of the genre but could leave others wanting more complexity.

    • “There are many fun mechanics to play with, the levels of the dungeons are different enough, the loot is diverse and it feels like the game gives you more loot around your specific build (you play with a bow, you get more arrows and bows than otherwise, etc.). The level-up system is great; each level really makes you feel like you got stronger yet it still feels like the mobs get a little stronger as you level up.”
    • “The gameplay is deceptively simplistic—WASD to move, click to use various items or weapons, survive the depths of the dungeon. Delver is one of those roguelikes done the right way, capable of delivering simple but solid gameplay and keeping it fresh for many runs.”
    • “The gameplay flows and is challenging but rewarding, especially upon completion of a playthrough. The mechanics are great, the ambiance is great, and the items are great.”
    • “The gameplay is both incredibly easy to get into and also in a constant mild state of flux due to the leveling and weapon swapping, so you're never stuck falling back on one basic workhorse weapon like in Ziggurat or Strafe.”
    • “But quite soon you start to realize just how tedious the gameplay is and the flaws of the game rise to the surface.”
    • “The problem of the game lies in its lackluster and shallow gameplay mechanics.”
  • music194 mentions

    The music in the game has received a mixed reception, with many praising its atmospheric and nostalgic qualities, likening it to classic titles. However, several players noted that the looping nature of the tracks can become repetitive and fatiguing over time, detracting from the overall experience. Despite this, the soundtrack is generally considered enjoyable and well-suited to the game's aesthetic, contributing positively to the immersive atmosphere.

    • “The music is absolutely fantastic.”
    • “The music is phenomenal, the art is a joy.”
    • “The music adds so much to it; without it, the game wouldn't be as good.”
    • “My only gripe is that the looping music does get a little fatiguing.”
    • “The music is very limited and loops constantly, so even though it sounds nice at first it gets tiring quickly.”
    • “Per level there is a loop of what feels around 45 - 60 seconds of music that just feels very repetitive and out of place for the gameplay and is completely unable to create a good mood for the game.”
  • replayability91 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its procedural generation and variety, which can lead to enjoyable experiences and high replay value. However, many reviewers noted that the dungeons can become repetitive and lack depth, resulting in diminished replayability over time. While some find it fun and engaging for short sessions, others feel it ultimately lacks the content and variety expected from a roguelike, making it less appealing for extended play.

    • “But what really sets Delver apart is its sheer replayability.”
    • “The dungeons, items, and potion effects are all randomized, so there is a lot of replayability.”
    • “Incredibly accessible roguelike with extremely high replay value and gorgeous graphics.”
    • “I would also have preferred some sort of unlockables that would carry over throughout playthroughs, which would help the replayability of the game. Despite the game's use of procedural generation, I feel the dungeons get fairly repetitive, and that is just from the short amount of time that I have played.”
    • “This game has almost no replayability whatsoever; it is way too easy and unfair at the same time, unbalanced, and overall lacking.”
    • “The gameplay seems too short and shallow; there's very little replay value.”
  • atmosphere66 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its exceptional sound design, vibrant pixel art, and immersive environments, creating a sensory-rich experience. Reviewers highlight the effective use of music and lighting to enhance the overall ambiance, making each level feel distinct and engaging. Despite some minor criticisms regarding content variety, the game's atmosphere is described as charming, nostalgic, and a key factor in its replayability and enjoyment.

    • “The sound design is flawless, the movements responsive and smooth, environments are atmospheric; overall, playing this game is a treat for the senses.”
    • “The atmosphere, the lighting, the music, and the art are all spot on.”
    • “The gameplay is so smooth, there's always something interesting around every corner; the atmosphere is not only delightful but strangely comforting.”
    • “It runs great on any computer made this century, I have never had any sort of technical difficulty, 10/10 in every single department except for music and atmosphere, 11/10 music, and 12/10 atmosphere.”
    • “The combat is pretty simple and there isn't a whole lot of content at the moment, but the atmosphere mostly makes up for it.”
    • “It gets a tad old with time, but I always ended up crawling back to it for its challenge and raw atmosphere.”
  • story64 mentions

    The game's story is generally considered minimal and fragmented, with players noting that it lacks depth and clarity, often relying on scattered notes and NPC interactions to convey lore. While some appreciate the hints of a larger narrative and the atmosphere created by these elements, many feel that the story is too simplistic and could benefit from more substantial content, such as quests or a more developed world. Overall, the narrative serves as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a focal point, leaving players wanting more in terms of storytelling.

    • “All the areas feel unique and have their own bits of story through notes you can find from previous explorers of the dungeon.”
    • “This combined with the many notes scattered throughout the levels adds a strange bit of lore to the Delver universe and really makes you intrigued to find them all and learn of every little secret and story that the dungeon has to offer.”
    • “The storyline is just full enough to keep you interested and immersed; very artfully done.”
    • “The story doesn't really have much depth, but it has a story, and a randomly generated dungeon with simple controls and leveling up... worth the $5 I paid for it, but just barely.”
    • “Combat is clunky and off, sounds are ear grinding, and the story is basically non-existent.”
    • “I understand this isn't meant to be a strong point, but the lack of details and lore makes it so I have no real interest in finishing/winning the game.”
  • stability26 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report it runs well on various systems and is largely bug-free, others experience significant issues such as freezing, glitches, and crashes, particularly in specific levels or with certain features like the inventory system. The game is still in beta, and while it shows promise, players recommend waiting for further patches to address the numerous bugs and improve overall stability.

    • “Delver is exactly what I was looking for, a super-rad, first-person, pixel art roguelite that runs great on my (admittedly) not-so-great setup.”
    • “It runs great on any computer made this century; I have never had any sort of technical difficulty. 10/10 in every single department except for music and atmosphere, 11/10 music, and 12/10 atmosphere.”
    • “The game is bug-free for the most part (I didn't run into any, at least).”
    • “The game freezes at the 'press any key to start' screen.”
    • “Loaded.... I have never been able to use it since it freezes at loading.”
    • “Lot of promise but clearly a buggy mess.”
  • grinding18 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, with many noting that managing durability and inventory upgrades can become a chore. While some appreciate the challenge of grinding for resources and upgrades, others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment, leading to a sense of monotony, especially during longer play sessions. Despite these criticisms, some players still enjoy the game in shorter bursts, suggesting that the grinding may be more palatable when not played for extended periods.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Grinding is a rewarding experience that keeps you engaged.”
    • “The grind may be tough, but the sense of achievement makes it worthwhile.”
    • “But quite soon you start to realize just how tedious the gameplay is and the flaws of the game rise to the surface.”
    • “Don't get me wrong, I love the look of the game and the flow of the game, but I feel like it is the most tedious game I have ever played!”
    • “Then, all of the enemies become pushovers, and all of the pushovers are tedious to defeat, and all but the most powerful possible item drops that I get for defeating them feel underwhelming.”
  • humor12 mentions

    The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating its cleverness, charming art style, and amusing random elements, such as quirky character interactions and unexpected item drops. However, some reviewers note that the repetitive gameplay can diminish the initial humor over time, leading to a less engaging experience after extended play. Overall, while the game offers a lighthearted and funny atmosphere, its lack of unlockables may contribute to a sense of monotony.

    • “If you're looking for a randomly generated roguelike dungeon crawler that's more about getting lost and laughing your way through, Delver is your ticket to pixelated mayhem.”
    • “It's very clever, and the notes often have me laughing a bit.”
    • “Oh, and bats and caterpillars seem to drop hilariously large heavy items such as a mace or a complete set of mail armor.”
  • optimization9 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it runs smoothly on various systems, including older hardware, players have reported issues such as hitbox mismatches, graphical glitches, and environmental interactions that don't function as expected. Despite these drawbacks, many appreciate the game's unique art style and performance, suggesting that it could benefit from further optimization updates to address the existing bugs and enhance gameplay consistency.

    • “It runs smoothly with very few glitches/bugs, and has a great art style and enemy design with excellent semi-randomized levels.”
    • “It is beautifully optimized, playing on my school's $100 10" laptops at max settings 60fps.”
    • “Seems like a great game, with excellent performance even in 4K on an 8-year-old Intel graphics laptop.”
    • “Enemies get stuck inside walls, hitboxes don't match their sprite, weird lighting and geometry, stuttering and hitching despite the game running on a modern system, water extinguishing bombs and burning entities but not lit candles, movement made possible with the inventory screen open but not the map UI, sprite work making it hard to gauge whether you can hit an enemy or not, seeing and going through map bounds, etc.”
    • “At the very least, it needs some optimization updates.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Character development in the game is perceived as lacking depth in the late game, with players feeling that enhancements to attack or magic become ineffective. However, the charming music and character design are noted as positive aspects that contribute to the overall experience.

    • “The music and character design are very charming.”
    • “For character development, as far as I can tell, in the late game, increasing your attack or magic seems worthless.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Users express that while the emotional impact of loss in the game is significant and heart-wrenching, it ultimately motivates them to continue playing rather than deterring them.

    • “But no lost life is so heartbreaking that I could not find it within myself to start another.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

6hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
5-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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