Pixel Dungeon

86%
Game Brain Score Based on 258 reviews
  • graphics
  • music
  • gameplay
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Pixel Dungeon is a roguelike game with pixel-art graphics and a simple interface, available for desktop as a port of the Android version. The objective is to explore depths, collect items, and defeat monsters to find the Amulet of Yendor. With randomly generated dungeons, the game is known for its difficulty and reliance on luck. For more information, check the Pixel Dungeon Wiki, official Facebook page, Google+ page, Tumblr blog, or Twitter.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Tablet
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 258 reviews
graphics7 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • Pixel Dungeon is a classic roguelike that offers a challenging and rewarding experience, with endless replayability due to its randomly generated levels.
  • The game features simple yet charming pixel art and a straightforward interface, making it easy to pick up and play.
  • Many players appreciate the nostalgia and fun of the game, having spent countless hours enjoying it on mobile devices before purchasing the Steam version.
  • The Steam version suffers from significant bugs, including a disappearing mouse cursor and crashes, which have persisted for years without resolution.
  • Compared to free mobile versions, the PC port lacks updates and additional content, leading many to recommend playing the mobile versions instead.
  • The game can be excessively punishing, with a heavy reliance on RNG that can lead to frustrating experiences, especially for new players.
  • graphics18 mentions

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a simple, pixelated art style that evokes nostalgia and charm, appealing to fans of retro aesthetics. While not groundbreaking, the visuals effectively communicate gameplay elements and contribute to the overall fun, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate minimalist design. Overall, the graphics are functional and enjoyable, though they may not impress players seeking high-end visuals.

    • “The pixel graphics are far from the best ever, but the visual cues tell you what's coming, what's happening, and what you're getting clearly and easily.”
    • “The graphics are charming and look great even for pixel characters; if you have been with this for a while, you know the extra efforts put into little things like background, lighting, etc., over the bunch of updates it had since being created.”
    • “The controls are simple, the graphics nostalgic, and the soundtrack superb.”
    • “The graphics are sweet and simple, but they feel very cheap and lack detail.”
    • “This is a simplified rogue-like with simplistic graphics that don't offer much depth.”
    • “The artwork is standard and doesn't stand out in a crowded genre.”
  • music15 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players finding it repetitive and simplistic, often preferring to play without it. While some appreciate the soothing quality of the soundtrack and the sound effects, others criticize the limited variety, noting that there is only one song for all dungeon levels. Overall, the music is seen as a weak point, though it does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “The controls are simple, the graphics nostalgic, and the soundtrack superb.”
    • “This is an awesome game, from the soundtrack to all the mysterious items you can find.”
    • “Personally, I find the music to be really soothing and the graphics remind me a lot of those from the era of Ultima V.”
    • “The music, however, is banal and repetitive.”
    • “One major con is the music... there is only one song for all levels in the dungeon.”
    • “Music is middle-of-the-road.”
  • gameplay13 mentions

    The gameplay is reminiscent of classic mystery dungeon games, featuring turn-based movement and combat that encourages strategic thinking. While it offers a streamlined experience with engaging mechanics and a strong RNG element, some players feel it lacks innovation. Overall, it combines traditional roguelike elements with addictive gameplay, making it accessible and enjoyable, especially for mobile users.

    • “You could compare the gameplay to a mystery dungeon game - the movement and combat is all paced by turns, and you're welcome to think combat through and weigh your odds.”
    • “Streamlined mechanics mean less time in inventory and more time adventuring.”
    • “It's pretty addicting gameplay.”
    • “The base gameplay is fine, but there is literally nothing new here.”
    • “An actual game on my phone that didn't try to drown me in microtransactions and had decent roguelike gameplay, though the difficulty is highly luck-based more than any skill or strategy whatsoever.”
    • “It's quite traditional in its mechanics and is most comparable to the original Rogue and Brogue.”
  • story8 mentions

    The story in the game is described as obscure and lacking a compelling overarching quest, which detracts from the overall experience. While players enjoy the unique narratives and gameplay styles in each session, they express a desire for more structured quests and a deeper storyline, similar to classic RPGs. Some players appreciate the inclusion of backstory in other pixel dungeon games, suggesting that a more developed narrative could enhance engagement.

    • “The fun of finding a high-quality weapon, wand, armor, or ring always keeps me coming back for more, and how each game is really its own story with a different play style required from the player every time.”
    • “I like this game; it reminds me of good old RPG types of games without forced quests to win the game and non-stop NPCs.”
    • “Even though the story is a bit obscure and difficult to grasp.”
    • “However, some hints of an overarching quest or purpose for going into the underworld would help; it is just not compelling enough to continue playing.”
    • “It even has a little bit of backstory that doesn't impose on the gameplay itself.”
  • replayability6 mentions

    The game offers high replayability, with many users praising its endless gameplay and fun mechanics, particularly for roguelike enthusiasts. However, some players find it frustrating to master, and there are free alternatives available that may provide a better experience. Overall, the reasonable pricing and added Steam features like achievements enhance its replay value.

    • “I'm glad the developer incorporated some Steam features such as achievements for additional replayability.”
    • “Great replay value.”
    • “It has tons of replayability.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    The game is praised for its monetization model, being available for free on mobile without intrusive microtransactions or ads, which enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the focus on gameplay rather than monetization tactics, making it a standout title in the mobile gaming landscape.

    • “An actual game on my phone that didn't try to drown me in microtransactions and had decent roguelike gameplay.”
    • “This game and Shattered Pixel Dungeon are on mobile for free, or you can be like most of us here and pay for it anyway because the dev doesn't push microtransactions or ads.”
    • “An actual game on my phone that didn't try to drown me in microtransactions and had decent roguelike gameplay (though the difficulty is highly luck-based more than any skill or strategy whatsoever).”
    • “This is one of the best phone games I've ever seen and it's totally free and free of ads.”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players initially find the grinding aspect enjoyable for a few hours, but it quickly becomes tedious and frustrating. The requirement to manually bind controller controls adds to the overall sense of tedium.

    • “It's fun for the first few hours, but then it gets tedious and annoying.”
    • “It is very tedious, to say the least.”
    • “First off, I'm told I have to manually bind controller controls, which is tedious, but I'm okay with that.”
  • stability3 mentions

    Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability on iOS and Android platforms, with users reporting no glitches or bugs. However, the Mac version suffers from frequent crashes and issues with corrupted game saves, making it less reliable for players on that system.

    • “In addition, the mobile versions seem to be bug-free, so if you want an up-to-date version of this game, download those.”
    • “This game is incredibly fun and runs great, and is one of the few mobile ports that I have bought for PC.”
    • “I've played on iOS and Android without glitches, but the Mac version crashes constantly and game saves become corrupted.”
    • “The game is incredibly unstable on my PC; it crashes every hour, making it nearly unplayable.”
    • “I experienced frequent crashes and bugs that ruined my gaming experience, especially during critical moments.”
  • humor3 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, characterized as funny, random, and hilariously cynical, though some players note that it can be frustrating until they grasp the mechanics. Overall, it offers an enjoyable and lighthearted experience.

    • “Funny game; it can be frustrating until you understand how to handle it.”
    • “Very funny, easy to play and enjoy, and very random.”
    • “I find it hilariously cynical.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The game is noted for its smooth performance, indicating effective optimization that enhances the overall gameplay experience.

    • “It runs smoothly.”
    • “The game is well-optimized, providing a seamless experience.”
    • “I appreciate how the developers focused on performance, making it accessible for a wider range of systems.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players highlight the game's ability to evoke strong emotional responses, often leading to feelings of turmoil. Some suggest using humor, such as making silly noises, as a coping mechanism to manage the intense emotions experienced during gameplay.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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