Review
Roguelegends: Dark Realms is an ASCII Rogue-Like set in a Dark Fantasy/Cosmic Horror world, where in one year. Life will cease to exist... Your job is to prevent that from happening (or dying) while uncovering the shocking origin of the elemental magic of the world...
We have our normal array of fantasy races. A nice variety of classes to choose from—some are original. Like the Librarian. Each with different stats and starting runes. Depending on your class there will be a sub-plot. Why am I here in this horrible nightmare?
Potions to drink (don't drink flame or poison) and throw. Said throwing potions (and other items as well) at an enemy caused an area of effect. RLDR is encouraging players to exploit the weakness of the denizens in the Dark Realm. Frontal assault usually ends in death, as I learned the hard way. Combat isn't necessary as there is no level system in place to become stronger—only through equipment.
There are, however, some minor issues; like the clarity of the text—purple on black is hard to see and some grammatical errors (nothing mind blowing). When I spoke with (well he was talking and I listened) the developer about his mythos. He has mentioned possible fixes to blaring areas.
There is a Rune (or magic) System for abilities at the cost of hunger or blood [X (Y + distance {per square})]. Insomuch nothing is entirely unique about the system. However, since there is no leveling system in place, most runes are found from inspecting runes on an equipment. But it isn't guaranteed to get a new rune-spell. It is an imaginative take on the old trope.
No two play sessions are the same, thanks to the procedurally generated nature of the game. Although, I got screwed over with the beating heart and a dungeon with no flame potions anywhere. It happens in a game like RLDR. Just weren't in the cards.
The mythos, Dark Realms has attracted my attention throughout this hostile land. As I dive deeper into the game and witness the monstrosities that any sane mortal would die from their appearances, you gain misery. On the subject: Misery is the game, the sanity mechanic, the effects, the random chance of a hostile swift in the area, either that is the summoning realmlings (bastards), the shadows and fleshy maws or worse singers... and the dancers...
While the game is not finished, there is plenty of content to look forward to, as I still find surprises at every corner in these blackened halls, or shadowy woods. The developer demonstrated some original ideas in the old vein of Rogue-Likes and to me, a birth of a new mythos. As they continue to develop more games in this startup mythos looking for eager cultists.
~For others to see.~
Edit: Fix some grammar issues.