Games like The Darkness Below

69%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

69% User Score Based on 535 reviews

Cleveland Mark Blakemore's Magnum Opus! The ultimate classic style turn-based roleplaying game in the tradition of Wizardry, Might&Magic, Lands Of Lore and Eye of the Beholder! A game that took over 20 years to produce! As much as 600 hours of play with hand-painted graphics and old skool goodness! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar.

98%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:character development, grinding

98% User Score Based on 120 reviews

Enter the Realm of Aarde: An ancient entity stirs in the darkness, casting a veil of shadows across the land and threatening all of humanity. This growing menace has escalated the already dire situation on the newly discovered continent of Andra, where tensions run high. As a fledgling on your first mission for the Heroes Guild, you will be unwittingly drawn into the heart of this unfolding crisi… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Guild Saga: Vanished Worlds.

59%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability

59% User Score Based on 140 reviews

"Dungeon Kingdom: Sign of the Moon is a modern real-time dungeon crawling RPG. Immerse yourself in a fantastic adventure in the lands of Pohe Fakesys and investigate the cause of the returning chaos and darkness." If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dungeon Kingdom: Sign of the Moon.

94%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

94% User Score Based on 270 reviews

Engage in tactical grid-based combat in this classic-styled fantasy CRPG. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Caves of Lore.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

93% User Score Based on 6,120 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 2 reviews

"Captures everything that's fun about old-school RPGs." 4.5/5 – GameSpy "The balance between exciting combat, thought-provoking puzzle work, and open-ended exploration is stellar." 8.5/10 – IGN "I lost count as to how many times I threw my fist in the air and shouted, "YES!" after successfully completing a puzzle." 9.5/10 – Destructoid "Undoubtedly the best Indie Game I have played so far and at a… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Legend of Grimrock.

65%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

64% User Score Based on 3,268 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 2 reviews

After a decade, a Might & Magic RPG is back with both the unique core formula and a new set of improved and fine-tuned features. In the wake of the spectacular events in Might & Magic Heroes VI, you will play in a party of four adventurers entangled in intrigue and political machinations unfolding in and around Karthal. The city, on the verge of secession, is prey to competing factions vying for i… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Might & Magic X: Legacy.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, atmosphere

97% User Score Based on 384 reviews

The game is a classic western RPG inspired by the games from the 90s. Basically, it’s the kind of game I personally find missing nowadays. Light, fairy tale, epic, heroic and slightly humorous. One that does not take tons of hours to complete or require endless grind to progress. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Legends of Amberland: The Forgotten Crown.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

96% User Score Based on 1,999 reviews

Moonring is a retro-inspired open-world, turn-based, tile RPG in the style of the old Ultima games, but created with modern design sensibilities, and a unique neon aesthetic. The world is fixed,... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Moonring.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

74% User Score Based on 86 reviews

Join three heroes in training as they learn to master their individual strengths and harness the power of Alterium Essence. With their training nearly completed, Dolion, their teacher, prepares them for the most important mission they've faced yet. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Alterium Shift.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

88% User Score Based on 716 reviews

The Quest is a beautifully hand-drawn open world role playing game with old school grid-based movement, turn based combat and intricate quests. Explore a huge world, full of challenging mysteries and dangerous monsters! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Quest.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

86% User Score Based on 389 reviews

Archaelund is a roleplaying game with deep classic roots but also exciting innovations to bring you the ultimate adventure. Exploration as you remember it: you can play Archaelund your own way. Take your party of adventurers through a vast open world and explore as you wish, find awesome secrets and run into unexpected trouble, get involved in conflicts or just pursue your own goals and discover… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Archaelund.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

79% User Score Based on 407 reviews

Take a stand in the eternal conflict between Arcane Magic and Steampunk Revolution and tip the uneasy balance between sorcery, elves, dwarves and mysterious monsters on one side and steampunk gadgets, zeppelins, and tesla guns on the other in this single-player, party-based, story-rich RPG. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to New Arc Line.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

88% User Score Based on 2,034 reviews

Low Magic Age is a fantasy RPG that focused on turn-based party-based tactical combat. Field of View, Fog of War, Cover, Zone of Control, Charging and Flanking, various and abundant tactical elements are implemented in the game rules that evolved from Wizards of the Coast's Open Game License (OGL). Inherited from classic game rules: Evolved from historic pen-and-paper game rules, plus well design… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Low Magic Age.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization

90% User Score Based on 3,738 reviews

Critic Score 83%Based on 11 reviews

Legend of Grimrock 2 is a dungeon crawling role playing game with a modern execution but an oldschool heart. A group of four prisoners have shipwrecked on the secluded Isle of Nex. The island is filled with ancient crumbled ruins, mysterious shrines and a vast underground network of dungeons and mines. If the prisoners wish to make it out alive, they have to overcome the challenges devised by the … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Legend of Grimrock 2.

97%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

97% User Score Based on 700 reviews

The Doors of Trithius combines classic roguelike ruthlessness with the freedom and depth of an expansive, open-world RPG. Explore a vast, procedurally generated world that doesn't hold your hand. Here you'll need all your skill and strategic prowess to overcome the ancient dungeons, faction armies, and wandering behemoths found in the unpredictable and mysterious realm of Enalia. Random G… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Doors of Trithius.

81%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

81% User Score Based on 738 reviews

Fabled Lands is a challenging old-school narrative RPG set in an open world. Complete quests, fight, trade goods and develop your character. Explore a vast land of adventure: travel across the war-torn kingdom, survive the plains of howling darkness, and escape the Court of Hidden Faces. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fabled Lands.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

93% User Score Based on 166 reviews

Release DateBanquet For Fools is leaving early access to full release on February 26th, 2026! About the GameStory The deities have shunned the Vollings, and they have turned to paganism to survive. But Vollings are resilient and ever industrious. One lord has embarked on an enterprise to settle an island long abandoned by its dead civilization, braving a cursed land in hopes of farming a lucrat… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Banquet for Fools.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

96% User Score Based on 1,746 reviews

All three titles of the Bard's Tale series in one compilation. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Bard's Tale Trilogy.

70%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability

72% User Score Based on 978 reviews

Critic Score 65%Based on 1 reviews

Black Geyser: Couriers of Darkness is an isometric, party and XP based, real-time RPG (with pause option) set in the world of Yerengal. A game that combines immersive graphics and brand-new features with virtues of the classic RPGs we all loved! Solve mysteries, fight epic battles, help beggars and kings alike, outwit swindlers and gods, and never forget: greed has many forms and many names! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Black Geyser: Couriers of Darkness.

77%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development

79% User Score Based on 710 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 1 reviews

Lords of Xulima is a challenging Role-playing game set on the mythical continent of Xulima, where Gods and humans once walked side by side. Experience a genuine RPG featuring over 100 hours of gameplay, and discover one of the most epic sagas ever told. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Lords of Xulima.

82%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

82% User Score Based on 256 reviews

A turn-based RPG that is action-oriented but rewards a thoughtful approach. Explore a fantastic land populated by different animal tribes. Follow the main story or hunt for treasures in ancient ruins and mysterious dungeons. Develop your character and gain powerful equipment. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Of Blades & Tails.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development

96% User Score Based on 47 reviews

Prepare yourself for a journey to a world of fantasy and adventure! A land fallen into chaos needs stalwart heroes to save it from a sinister and powerful force of evil... Enter a massive sprawling world of wild forests, frozen plains, misty mountains, scorched deserts, and endless oceans. Explore cities, towns and villages to rest and recover as well as buy equipment. Talk to sages, warriors, p… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Realms of Antiquity: The Shattered Crown.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:character development, stability

83% User Score Based on 339 reviews

Full game out now, grab your copy! Zoria Prologue 2020 is an introduction to the classic tactical RPG with fluid turn-based combat, outpost, and followers management. You will lead a diverse team through the various lands of an Uram continent and against challenges to countless groups of monsters and bosses. Zoria has now fallen prey to the sheer brutality of the hellspawn that roams its land. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Zoria: Prologue (2020).

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

86% User Score Based on 1,033 reviews

Critic Score 72%Based on 11 reviews

Vaporum is a grid-based dungeon crawler RPG in an original steampunk setting, inspired by old-school classics of the genre. Stranded in the middle of an ocean, in front of a gigantic tower, the hero has to find out what the place is, what happened there, and most importantly, who he is. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Vaporum.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

76% User Score Based on 1,634 reviews

It’s a mystical, fantasy world where there’s lush greenery, vast plains, towering mountains – and dark spaceships. Yep. While it seems like your typical world of swords and magic, End of Eternity adds alien invasion in the mix, corrupting humans and animals alike, turning them into heartless metal monsters. Daryon, the game’s redheaded hero, heads out to escape from the attacks of his own kind an… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Edge of Eternity.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, graphics

87% User Score Based on 86 reviews

Lawless Lands is an old-school role-playing game featuring a unique setting and innovative mechanics that allow players to delve into a dark medieval, low-fantasy world of epic proportions. Discover and destroy the darkness that has taken hold over these Lawless Lands. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Lawless Lands.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, grinding

87% User Score Based on 294 reviews

Heroes of a Broken Land is a turn-based, dungeon crawling, town management RPG. Explore procedurally generated worlds and dungeons with multiple parties of heroes. Ally with other towns to recruit new and more powerful heroes. Explore and loot countless dungeons on your quest to save the world. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Heroes of a Broken Land.

83%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

83% User Score Based on 1,429 reviews

Stoneshard: Prologue is a demo to Stoneshard, an open-world roguelike RPG currently in development.Key features: Familiarize yourself with the basic mechanics of the main game. Learn the backstory of one of Stoneshard's main characters, Verren. Explore the dark catacombs of the abandoned abbey. Try out a variety of skill trees, from two-handed sword and bows to pyromancy and geomancy. S… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stoneshard: Prologue.

76%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development

73% User Score Based on 320 reviews

Critic Score 79%Based on 21 reviews

Zen Studios’ modern homage to classic first-person dungeon-crawlers takes you to the land of Operencia, an unconventional fantasy world inspired by a faraway land referenced in countless Central European folktales. An old-school turn-based battle system combines with inspiration from unexplored mythology to offer an RPG experience that feels unique yet also familiar. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Operencia: The Stolen Sun.

88%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

88% User Score Based on 6,502 reviews

A fantasy Action RPG, playable by yourself or in co-op with up to three friends! Features an unrestricted skill system, fluid and challenging combat, and an engaging story. For additional value, there's also a fleshed out, challenging roguelike mode to truly put your ARPG skills to the test! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Secrets of Grindea.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, gameplay

83% User Score Based on 36 reviews

"Dawn of the Ashen Queen" is a classic grid-based, first-person dungeon crawler reminiscent of 90s RPG games. Set out with your party to reveal the legacy of a millennia-old curse in a narrative-rich experience. Explore the colorful world of Eshavon, unearth its many secrets and fight dangerous foes sent out to stop you on your mission. Explore your Fate Three years have passed since… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dawn of the Ashen Queen.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

95% User Score Based on 3,139 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 7 reviews

Skald: Against the Black Priory is a classic, turn-based RPG. It's set in a dark and gritty fantasy universe: full of tragic heroes, violent deaths and eldritch, Lovecraftian horror. With a dark, immersive plot and inspired by legendary titles such as Ultima and the gold box series, this is my love letter to classic roleplaying. It is a tile and turn based roleplaying game where you lead a party… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SKALD: Against the Black Priory.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

84% User Score Based on 98 reviews

"A Quest That Became Legend" is a game inspired by old-school RPG classics, featuring turn-based combat and an open-world environment. Embark on an epic quest to defeat the dark conjurers and save your world from destruction. Explore various lands and venture into different crypts, dungeons, and many other locations to battle all kinds of monsters, and perhaps discover shiny treasur… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to A Quest That Became Legend.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, atmosphere

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, story

96% User Score Based on 73 reviews

Netherguild is a turn-based tactical roguelite dungeon-crawler, in which the player commands expeditions below the earth in a desperate attempt to cure a strange plague. Explore, camp, and fight as far as you can before heading back to resupply. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Netherguild.

70%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, stability

70% User Score Based on 264 reviews

Dungeon of Dragon Knight is a dungeon crawler role play game, based on grid system. You will lead your team to continually discover clues, solve the puzzles that surround you, and survive in dangerous dungeon. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dungeon of Dragon Knight.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, graphics

71% User Score Based on 586 reviews

Experience the freedom normally only found in a tabletop RPG. Empowered with magic, you will create your own story, and experience real consequences from the decisions you make. Will you be the world’s savior . . . or its destroyer? The choice is yours. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Archmage Rises.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

92% User Score Based on 106 reviews

Trapped in the Great Abyss!You are an old dreamer who, through unforeseen circumstances, has found himself trapped in the Great Abyss, the vast underworld beneath the Dreamlands.  Use the resources at your disposal, weapons, armor, supplies, and any alliances you have with the locals, to explore and learn the secrets of the underworld, in order to make your way back to the upper Dreamlands, or bac… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cyclopean: The Great Abyss.

87%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

87% User Score Based on 1,143 reviews

Prevent demon’s horde from unleashing hell on this world in this dark fantasy Dungeon Crawler. Fight fire with fire, make a deal with the Devil and choose which demon to worship. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hellslave.

72%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

72% User Score Based on 17,308 reviews

Set off on a perilous journey across the procedurally generated world, while various followers flock under your banners. You will have to face not only hundreds of foes but also pain, hunger, fear and internal disputes. Put an end to the protracted war or plunge the country into even deeper chaos. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stoneshard.

58%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization

58% User Score Based on 1,632 reviews

Critic Score 59%Based on 16 reviews

Set in the lush and vibrant world of the Forgotten Realms, Sword Coast Legends offers an all-new way to enjoy the time-tested magic of playing Dungeons & Dragons as a shared storytelling experience. With a deep narrative developed by a team of long-time industry veterans and a partnership with Wizards of the Coast, the single player campaign of Sword Coast Legends brings the world of Faerûn home l… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sword Coast Legends.

74%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, grinding

74% User Score Based on 207 reviews

Ten years ago, Wizardry set the standards in Fantasy Role-Playing (FRP). Now after two million copies have been sold and dozens of awards have been won, Bane of the Cosmic Forge raises and redefines those standards. This new Wizardry , the truest simulation ever of Fantasy Role Playing, will push your computer, your mind, and your sense of adventure to their very limits. Only through the power of … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Wizardry: Bane of the Cosmic Forge.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

89% User Score Based on 902 reviews

Build heroic group of 4 by combining unique talents in a turn-based tactics RPG If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Heroes of Steel RPG.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

84% User Score Based on 314 reviews

Rogue Empire is an tactical turn-based RPG with randomly generated content and heavy Rogue-like elements. Choose one of multiple character combinations and advance it with unique abilities! Embark on a quest to heal the 5 kingdoms and understand the mysteries of the First Shadow! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Rogue Empire.

89%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, character development

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding

89% User Score Based on 94 reviews

Grid-Based First Person Dungeon Crawler set in a Dark Fantasy version of the Imperial Rome. Create and develop your party, explore catacombs and fight demons and undead to free Rome. Inspired by old-school cRPG from the 80s and 90s. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ludus Mortis.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

86% User Score Based on 3,721 reviews

Critic Score 74%Based on 16 reviews

Collect, train, and battle over 120 creatures in this monster-taming adventure! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Coromon.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

73% User Score Based on 1,416 reviews

Set in a vibrant fantasy world, Alaloth – Champions of The Four Kingdoms offers fast paced action with a deep narrative, developed by a team of industry veterans. The game brings the aRPG dynamics to a new level with a skill based gameplay inspired by great classics such as Moonstone and modern masterpieces as Dark Souls in a gritty, dark, mature environment filled with blood and magic! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

93% User Score Based on 2,760 reviews

Death Trash features a post-apocalyptic world where cosmic horrors long for humanity but meet punks with shotguns. It combines old-school role-playing, modern action gameplay and player freedom. Create your own character and explore a handcrafted world. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Death Trash.

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

84% User Score Based on 1,269 reviews

ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery) is one of the most successful roguelike games ever created, boasting a brilliant mix of story, RPG, exploration, and intensely strategic and flexible combat. The Steam version adds various Deluxe features like achievements, difficulty level customization and various play modes (e.g. a story mode allowing to save and restore games, a weekly challenge game, an explo… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery).

84%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

84% User Score Based on 710 reviews

The Fall of the Dungeon Guardians is an RPG Dungeon Crawler game, in first person view. It features a modern combat system based on the triptych "tank/damage dealer/healer" mechanism. Fight your way through hordes of enemies and powerful creatures, explore intricate corridors, underground palaces, mines fallen into oblivion and evil crypts. Solve puzzles, avoid deadly traps, uncover hidden passage… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Fall of the Dungeon Guardians.

99%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability

99% User Score Based on 138 reviews

You drag yourself from the black tides, across the corpses of drowned men, and onto the unwelcoming, craggy shoreline. Gulls cry overhead and the stink of seaweed fills your nose. By some miracle you have made it to Idra. It will take all your skill to survive and unravel the eldritch mysteries of the Black Priory. Pray your sanity holds.About the Prologue ‘Skald: Against the Black Priory’ is an o… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Skald: Against the Black Priory - the Prologue.