Skip to main content

Rogue

94%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
story, music
94% User Score Based on 604 reviews

Platforms

PCZx SpectrumAmstrad CpcCommodore C64Atari 8 BitMac OSAtari StAmigaWindowsMs Dos
Buy Nowfrom €2.99
Buy NowGet on Steam €2.99

About

"Rogue is a single-player Fantasy Role Playing game, where each playthrough is unique due to randomly generated rooms and items. Battle enemies, gather equipment, and discover magical spells in your quest for the Amulet of Yendor. This version, Epyx Rogue , was one of the earliest commercial distributions for IBM PC."

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Rogue screenshot
Rogue screenshot
Rogue screenshot
Skip User Reviews

94%
Audience ScoreBased on 604 reviews
graphics10 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • Rogue is a classic that started the roguelike genre, offering a simple yet addictive gameplay experience.
  • The game features procedurally generated dungeons, ensuring that each playthrough is unique and engaging.
  • Despite its age, Rogue remains fun and challenging, making it a worthwhile experience for both nostalgic players and newcomers.
  • The control scheme is complex and not well-explained, requiring players to look up guides to fully understand the game.
  • The randomness of the game can lead to frustrating experiences, as players may die unexpectedly due to RNG elements.
  • This version of Rogue is a DOS port that lacks additional features found in modern games, and there are free alternatives available that offer a better experience.
  • graphics
    60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are primarily ASCII characters, which many players find charming and nostalgic, though they are often described as dated and simplistic. While some reviewers appreciate the imaginative aspect of these visuals, others note that the lack of modern graphics and sound may deter those unfamiliar with the genre. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics are minimal, they do not detract from the enjoyable gameplay experience.

    • “The ascii graphics are charming and the game works perfectly under DOSBox.”
    • “The graphics do their job and leave plenty of room for your imagination.”
    • “Still extremely playable and aesthetically pleasing to this day.”
    • “The graphics are ASCII code characters which make up everything.”
    • “The visuals make Dwarf Fortress look like a graphical marvel.”
    • “The graphics may be simple, well non-existent in this version, just ASCII characters, and sounds are almost absent; it's still fun to play if you're into adventuring with your imagination as a companion.”
  • gameplay
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Rogue is generally described as solid and addictive, especially for fans of ASCII RPGs, despite its archaic feel and simple mechanics compared to modern titles. While some players appreciate its historical significance and innovative features that have influenced many contemporary games, others point out that there are better, more polished alternatives available for free. Overall, the game's challenging yet straightforward mechanics continue to provide enjoyment, particularly for those willing to invest time in mastering its controls.

    • “I really enjoy the gameplay; it's everything that I expected.”
    • “It might feel a little archaic if you've never played it before, but after you spend an hour or two getting used to the controls and the gameplay, it's incredibly addicting.”
    • “There is a reason the challenging gameplay has inspired countless derivatives such as Spelunky and Dark Souls.”
    • “I cannot recommend Rogue on Steam when there are way better alternatives that are free to play and offer much more polished and advanced gameplay systems, as well as better integration with new operating systems and different keyboard layouts (playing Rogue with a non-English keyboard is terrible).”
    • “Aside from those minor gripes, the gameplay is still really solid and it is absolutely understandable why people wanted to imitate and expand upon the game.”
    • “Also, for the price, there are no graphics, no soundtrack, and there is barely any gameplay.”
  • story
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story, presented in the manual, revolves around a rogue's quest to retrieve the Amulet of Yendor from the Dungeons of Doom, echoing the style of older RPGs. However, the lore has undergone significant changes, transforming the rogue's backstory from a guild initiate to an immortal adventurer trapped in a cycle of resurrection. Players appreciate the straightforward narrative, contrasting it with more complex, dialogue-heavy games that they find less engaging.

    • “You have been sent on a quest by the guild to retrieve the amulet of Yendor.”
    • “And so the story began... after some time playing, the story became a legend and then the legend became a myth...”
    • “This is how RPGs should be, not some story-heavy leading you around to talk to people trash with poor combat.”
    • “The game lore changed; the story of who the rogue is got completely changed in the manual. He went from someone trying to gain initiation into a guild to an immortal adventurer trapped in a dungeon, caught in an endless loop of resurrection.”
    • “Like older games, the game’s story is presented in the manual, where it is stated that your quest as a rogue is to find the Amulet of Yendor in the Dungeons of Doom.”
  • music
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music aspect of the game is notable for its absence, as it features no soundtrack due to its ASCII format, allowing players to enjoy their own music while playing. This design choice is appreciated by some, as it frees them from the game's emotional cues, making it suitable for multitasking with podcasts or chill music. However, critics argue that the lack of music and graphics may detract from the overall experience, especially for those unfamiliar with more advanced versions of the game.

    • “The game shockingly holds up pretty well and is perfect for playing with a podcast or chill music.”
    • “Rogue is a genre-defining game developed by three college students from California in 1980, the game itself is enjoyable and created a lot of features I love in gaming.”
    • “There is no soundtrack, because it is an ASCII game.”
    • “Also for the price, there is no graphics, soundtrack, and there is barely any gameplay.”
    • “You can listen to whatever music you want to, and not have to worry about the game using its music to tell you when to feel emotions.”
  • humor
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is highlighted by users who find it amusing to see a rogue character featured among roguelikes, drawing parallels to their own experiences with similar games. The lighthearted tone and playful references contribute to an overall sense of fun and nostalgia.

    • “It's funny to see rogue among roguelikes.”
    • “Funny thing is, it's still sooo cool!”
    • “Funny thing, I did a similar game in college for my programming class using C++ and I had so much fun.”
  • replayability
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players consistently highlight the game's exceptional replayability, noting its fun and challenging nature that encourages repeated play, whether for high scores or casual enjoyment. Many reviewers emphasize that this aspect not only enhances personal enjoyment but also contributes to the game's significance in gaming culture and history.

    • “Not only is it fun, challenging, and extremely replayable (if you like playing for a high score or just for fun in the moment) -- it's also an important part of gaming culture and history!”
    • “I have put a lot of time into this game; the replay value is extraordinary.”
    • “Oh yeah, I also highly recommend this game... what else is there to say but the fact it's fun and replayable.”
Skip Game Offers

Buy Rogue

14h Median play time
14h Average play time
14-14h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like Rogue

Games Like Rogue

ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery) Image
84%1.2kreviews

ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery)

2015Role Playing
LinuxPCMac OS+1
The Bard's Tale Trilogy Image
96%1.7kreviews

The Bard's Tale Trilogy

2019Role Playing
PCXbox Game PassCloud+6
The Elder Scrolls: Arena ImageThe Elder Scrolls: Arena ImageThe Elder Scrolls: Arena Image
80%2.1kreviews

The Elder Scrolls: Arena

2022Open World Role Playing
PCWindowsMs Dos
FATE Image
96%6.1kreviews

FATE

2013Role Playing
PCMac OSWindows
Rogue's Tale Image
66%508reviews

Rogue's Tale

2014Role Playing
LinuxPCMac OS+1