V_K
Arcane
As the various voting threads show, there have been a few games this year that were exceptionally good (or just good) but flew under Codex's radar because there was no kickstarter, or the devs weren't so kind as to post progress reports here. And quite probably more than a few games slipped through the cracks in a similar fashion in past years. So I thought that maybe we should a a sort of obscure indie watch, but only for the good ones. I'll start with some titles I know to be little-known and good, and I welcome suggestions.
Newest Additions
Cosmos: The Secret Melody (2020) [free]
[TB] [Open World] [Sci-Fi] [Survival]
An Ultima-inspired sci-fi RPG in fully simulated open galaxy.
Dedicated thread.
Finder's credit: Infinitron
Titan Outpost (2019)
[No Combat] [Open World] [Sci-Fi] [Base Management] [Survival]
Hard sci-fi RPG with no combat and focus on survival, exploration and base management.
Dedicated subforum.
Whispers of a Machine (2019)
[Adventure/RPG] [Premade PC] [Puzzle Heavy] [No Combat] [Alternative Solutions]
Cyberpunk adventure with slight RPG elements: moral choices the PC makes affect her personality, which in turn unlocks new augments affecting the puzzle solutions.
Dedicated thread.
Legends of Amberland (2019)
[TB] [Open World] [Full Party Creation] [Combat Heavy]
Open-world blobber in the vein of Might&Magic 3-5 but with much bigger pixels.
Dedicated thread.
Theseus: Journey to Athens (2019)
[TB] [Premade PC] [C&C]
Turn-based RPG very faithfully based on Greek mythology.
Dedicated thread.
Lurking 2: A Madness (2018)
[TB] [Full Party Creation] [Open World]
Sequel to Lurking with better combat, deeper systems and damn charming art. Stays true to the Ultima formula of hunting for clues in a big and detailed open world.
Dedicated thread.
Alvora Tacticts (2017)
[TB] [Full Party Creation] [Roguelike] [Alternative Solutions]
Sequel to Vodispire Tactics set in the innards of a giant serpent. Open world gave way to a procedurally generated dungeons and party size increased to 6, but environmental interactions, character customization and smart AI are still there.
Dedicated thread.
Unexplored (2017)
[RT/TB] [Single Character] [Roguelike] [Puzzles] [Equipment-Based Progression]
Unique roguelite whose innovative level generation algorithm makes better levels than most handcrafted ones. Plays closer to Ultima Underworld than to Nethack. As is fashionable today, has a turn-based mod.
Dedicated thread.
Finder's credit: ColCol
Driftmoon (2013)
[RT] [PC + Hirelings] [Puzzle Heavy] [Exploration Heavy] [Linear] [Whimsical]
Charming and very well written fairy-tale RPG/Adventure that does whimsy right.
Dedicated thread.
Unepic (2011)
[RT] [Platforming] [Dungeon Crawler] [Single Character] [Humorous]
Unepic is a parody game that mixes metroidvania mechanics with some proper RPG systems.
Dedicated thread (slightly prosperous)
WarWizard (1993) [abandonware]
[TB] [PC + Hirelings] [Open World]
DnD-inspired RPG with tactical battles. Features a huge open world consisting of several kingdoms.
Dedicated thread.
2017
Hellenica (2017)
[TB] [Combat Heavy] [Premade Party] [C&C]
Tactical JRPG with highly interactive environments set in a steampunk version of Ancient Greece.
Finder's credit: Rahdulan
Dedicated thread
2016
Bastard Bonds (2016)
[TB] [Squad Building] [Open World] [Combat Heavy] [Alternative Solutions]
A mixture of squad tactics and open world exploration. Combat could use more complexity, but the game makes up for it with innovative premise and mechanics.
Finder's credit: Drowed
Dedicated thread
Lurking (2016) [free]
[TB] [Full Party Creation] [Open World]
Exploration- and investigation-focused RPG in the vein of Ultima 3-5 with a large open world and complex non-linear main quest.
Finder's credit: CryptRat
Dedicated thread
Siralim (2015)
Siralim 2 (2016)
[TB] [Monster Taming] [Procedural Generation] [City Management]
A unique blend of monster taming, rogulike and castle management genres. Summon or catch monsters and send them through procedurally generated dungeons completing randomized quests.
Finder's credit: Chaotic_Heretic, Humanity has risen!
Dedicated thread (Siralim 2)
Epikos (2016)
[TB] [Premade Party] [C&C] [Linear]
Despite Ultima-like appearance, Epikos is a somewhat linear game with a branching storyline and premade characters that never level up. Its gretest strength is the variety and inventiveness of you characters' and monsters' abilities.
Finder's credit: CryptRat
Dedicated thread
Towers of Twilight (2012/2016)
[TB] [Party+Hirelings] [Open World] [Procedural Generation]
Experimental RPG where you lead a party of unlimited size through a procedurally generated open world complete with glorious Spectrum-style visuals.
Finder's credit: CryptRat
Dedicated thread
Bludgeons and Krakens (2016) [free]
[TB] [Single Character] [Open World] [Combat Heavy]
Ultima-style open-world RPG mixed with Diablo-style loot threadmill. Overworld geography doesn't make sense, but the quests are varied and well-written.
Finder's credit: Infinitron (sort of)
Dedicated thread
Goetia (2016)
[Adventure/RPG] [Premade PC] [Puzzle Heavy] [No Combat] [Alternative Solutions] [Open World]
Atmospheric horror Adventure with slight RPG elements like character power-ups and alternative solutions. Not really an RPG but too good to be missed and we don't have a similar thread in the Adventure subforum.
Finder's credit: Jaesun
Dedicated thread
Void Pyramid (2016) [free]
[TB] [Dungeon Crawl] [Puzzle-Heavy] [Single Character] [Alternative Solutions]
Exploration-focused puzzle-RPG. Light on mechanics, but heavier on reactivity and alternative solutions than many full-blown RPGs.
Finder's credit: CryptRat
Balrum (2016)
[TB] [Single Character] [Crafting] [Alternative Solutions]
Single-character turn-based RPG with slow character growth, sadistic encounters and farming elements (the last are optional if you don't mind a bit of grinding).
Dedicated thread.
7 Mages (2016)
[TB] [PC+Hirelings] [Puzzle Heavy] [Dungeon Crawl]
A sequel to Gates of Skeldal featuring more than a few innovations in both mechanics and level design, but bogged down by awkward writing and simplistic character system.
Dedicated thread.
2015
Voidspire Tactics (2015)
[TB] [Full Party Creation] [Open World] [Alternative Solutions]
Open-world tactical RPG with great character system, highly interactive environments and handcrafted encounters with good AI.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: Kalasanty11, Roqua
Artifacts Adventure (2015)
[JRPG Combat] [Open World] [C&C] [Full Party Creation]
An open-world JRPG, if there can be such a thing, with full party creation and tons of C&Cs (the game boasts 70 different endings).
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: CryptRat
The Dwarf Run (2015)
[Puzzle Heavy] [Linear] [Premade Party] [Humour] [TB]
A rare party-based RPG/Adventure hybrid with hard battles, easy puzzles and nonsensical humor. The ending is reported to suck, though.
Dedicated thread
Ruzar - The Life Stone (2015)
[Dungeon Crawl] [Puzzle Heavy] [RT] [Singe Character]
A solid, if not very original, single-character RT dungeon crawler with very non-linear dungeon design. Kinda like Anvil of Dawn but with less charm.
Dedicated thread
Dex (2015)
[Platforming] [RT] [Single Character] [Open World] [???]
Sidescrolling cyberpunk RPG set in an open city. What it lacks in depth, it makes up for in fun exploration and good quest design.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: StaticSpine
Waste Walkers (2015)
[Open World] [Survival] [???]
Post-apocalyptic open-world RPG with focus on suvival made in RPGMaker.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: Roqua
Templar Battleforce (2015)
[TB] [Squad Building] [Combat Heavy] [???]
Story-centric squad-based tactical RPG heavily influenced by Warhammer 40K.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: Roqua
Dustbowl (2015)
[RPG/Adventure] [TB] [Survival] [Alternative Solutions] [Crafting]
Post-apocalyptic Adventure game with light RPG and survival elements.
Dedicated thread
2014
Heroes of Steel (2014)
[TB] [Premade Party] [Combat Heavy] [???]
Story-centryc tactical RPG from the makers of Templar Battleforce.
Finder's credit: Lhynn
Dedicated thread
Heroes of a Broken Land (2014)
[Full Party Creation] [Open World] [City Management] [Procedural Generation] [Blobber]
Turn-based blobber in M&MIII style with procedurally generated worlds and dungeons and light city management elements.
Finder's credit: Jaesun
Dedicated thread
Last Dream (2014)
[Open World] [Full Party Creation] [JRPG Combat] [RPGMaker] [???]
A mix of JRPG story and combat with WRPG openness and detailed character customization.
Finder's credit: Grape_You_In_the_Mouth, Roqua
Dedicated thread
LISA (2014)
[JRPG Combat] [Premade Party] [???]
Extremely punishing side-scrolling JRPG in a postapocalyptic setting.
Dedicated thread
2013
Datajack (2013) [free]
[RT] [Single Character] [Mission Based] [Alternative Solutions] [???]
An isometric cyberpunk Stealth Action/RPG that allows you to choose between three different factions and several approaches to missions at hand.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: Saduj, tred
The Occult Chronicles (2013)
[Boardgame] [Procedural Generation] [Optional Permadeath] [Single Character]
A unique horror-themed roguelike/boardgame hybrid with deep mechanics, rich lore and lots of well-written events and quests. Challenges are resolved through card-based minigame though, which might not be to everyone's liking.
Finder's credit: Crooked Bee, I guess
Newspost+thread
Codex review
2001 - 2012
Iji (2010) [free]
[Platforming] [RT] [Single Character] [Alternative Solutions] [???]
Described by some as "System Shock 2 in 2D" Iji is a platformer/RPG that is heavy on alternative solutions and C&Cs.
Dedicated thread
FreedroidRPG (2010?) [free]
[RT] [Crafting] [Single Character] [???]
Weird sci-fi Action-RPG in the Diablo vein but with more plot featuring the Linux mascot as a protagonist.
Finder's credit: Siveon
Age of Fear: The Undead King (2011)
Age of Fear 2: The Chaos Lord (2012)
[SRPG] [TB] [???]
Story-heavy RPG/Strategy hybrid with branching missions, persistent units and challenging turn-based combat.
Finder's credit: pakoito, oscar
Dedicated thread (Age of Fear 2)
Dark Disciples 1&2 (2004&2009) [free]
[Puzzle Heavy] [TB] [Alternative Solutions] [Single Character]
Two freeware top-down RPGs focused on puzzles with multiple build-dependent solutions. Could serve as a manual on how to do RPG level design right.
Dedicated thread
Hellion (2009) [free]
[Dungeon Crawl] [JRPG Combat] [PC+Hirelings] [Alternative Solutions]
A great dungeon crawler made in RPGMaker, but with custom character system that features 7 classes with extensive skill trees and a dozen trainable non-combat abilities.
Finder's credit: V_K
Mr. Robot (2007)
[Platforming] [JRPG Combat] [TB] [???]
A game combining isometric platforming with JRPG elements as you control a gang of robots aboard a starship on their quest to save the crew.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: Vault Dweller, Unkillable Cat
1990 - 2000
Aleshar: World of Ice (1997) [free]
[Open World] [Survival] [TB] [Map Travel] [Single Character]
Open-world RPG in a frozen realm with focus on survival and unique magic system. Gets pretty close to roguelikes in the number of ways you can die.
Let's play
Gates of Skeldal (1998) [free]
[Dungeon Crawl] [Puzzle Heavy] [Party Creation + Hirelings] [TB] [Blobber]
Stylish turn-based blobber set in a large and mostly open world with many unique locations to explore. Originally availible only in Czech, a fan English translation exists now.
Cythera (1999)
[Open World] [Alternative Solutions] [PC+Hirelings] [TB]
A very good Ultima clone, combining some of the best features of U5-U7 and UUW, but set in a much darker world. Unfortunately it is Mac-exclusive and incompartible with OsX. The only way to run it today is through a Mac emulator.
Finder's credit: V_K
Excelsior Phase 1: Lysandia (1993)
Excelsior Phase 2: Errondor (2000)
[Open Word] [Single Character] [TB]
Clones of Ultima 4 and 6 respectively, they make up for the lack of party with more detailed character systems. The main flaw of the games is that combat relies on RNG too much.
Finder's credit: Stabwound
Nahlakh (1994) [free]
Natuk (1999) [free]
Tower of Darkness (unreleased) [free]
Pirates of the Western Seas (unreleased) [free]
[TB] [Full Party Creation] [Combat Heavy]
Tom Proudfoot's games feature some of the best tactical RPG combat, robust character systems and little else.
Dedicated thread
Aethra Chronicles (1994) [free]
[TB] [Party Creation + Hirelings] [Open World]
A traditional turn-based RPG based on the Rolemaster PnP system with all the delicious number-crunching that implies.
Dedicated thread
Walls of Bratock (1994)
Flame Storm (1995)
[TB] [Open World] [Full Party Creation] [???]
Open-world games in the vein of Ultima 4-6 but with DnD-inspired character system.
Finder's credit: Marquess Cornwallis
Unknown
The Legacy (???)
[TB] [Open World] [Full Party Creation] [Blobber]
The older brother to a recently facelifted The Quest, The Legacy is a turn-based blobber in the vein of MM3-5 with full party creation and tons of content. Even comes with an (unwieldy) world editor.
...and you may also want to check The Codex of Roguelikes thread.
UPD: Links for non-Steam versions of some games, courtesy of CryptRat
Newest Additions
Cosmos: The Secret Melody (2020) [free]
[TB] [Open World] [Sci-Fi] [Survival]
An Ultima-inspired sci-fi RPG in fully simulated open galaxy.
Dedicated thread.
Finder's credit: Infinitron
Titan Outpost (2019)
[No Combat] [Open World] [Sci-Fi] [Base Management] [Survival]
Hard sci-fi RPG with no combat and focus on survival, exploration and base management.
Dedicated subforum.
Whispers of a Machine (2019)
[Adventure/RPG] [Premade PC] [Puzzle Heavy] [No Combat] [Alternative Solutions]
Cyberpunk adventure with slight RPG elements: moral choices the PC makes affect her personality, which in turn unlocks new augments affecting the puzzle solutions.
Dedicated thread.
Legends of Amberland (2019)
[TB] [Open World] [Full Party Creation] [Combat Heavy]
Open-world blobber in the vein of Might&Magic 3-5 but with much bigger pixels.
Dedicated thread.
Theseus: Journey to Athens (2019)
[TB] [Premade PC] [C&C]
Turn-based RPG very faithfully based on Greek mythology.
Dedicated thread.
Lurking 2: A Madness (2018)
[TB] [Full Party Creation] [Open World]
Sequel to Lurking with better combat, deeper systems and damn charming art. Stays true to the Ultima formula of hunting for clues in a big and detailed open world.
Dedicated thread.
Alvora Tacticts (2017)
[TB] [Full Party Creation] [Roguelike] [Alternative Solutions]
Sequel to Vodispire Tactics set in the innards of a giant serpent. Open world gave way to a procedurally generated dungeons and party size increased to 6, but environmental interactions, character customization and smart AI are still there.
Dedicated thread.
Unexplored (2017)
[RT/TB] [Single Character] [Roguelike] [Puzzles] [Equipment-Based Progression]
Unique roguelite whose innovative level generation algorithm makes better levels than most handcrafted ones. Plays closer to Ultima Underworld than to Nethack. As is fashionable today, has a turn-based mod.
Dedicated thread.
Finder's credit: ColCol
Driftmoon (2013)
[RT] [PC + Hirelings] [Puzzle Heavy] [Exploration Heavy] [Linear] [Whimsical]
Charming and very well written fairy-tale RPG/Adventure that does whimsy right.
Dedicated thread.
Unepic (2011)
[RT] [Platforming] [Dungeon Crawler] [Single Character] [Humorous]
Unepic is a parody game that mixes metroidvania mechanics with some proper RPG systems.
Dedicated thread (slightly prosperous)
WarWizard (1993) [abandonware]
[TB] [PC + Hirelings] [Open World]
DnD-inspired RPG with tactical battles. Features a huge open world consisting of several kingdoms.
Dedicated thread.
2017
Hellenica (2017)
[TB] [Combat Heavy] [Premade Party] [C&C]
Tactical JRPG with highly interactive environments set in a steampunk version of Ancient Greece.
Finder's credit: Rahdulan
Dedicated thread
2016
Bastard Bonds (2016)
[TB] [Squad Building] [Open World] [Combat Heavy] [Alternative Solutions]
A mixture of squad tactics and open world exploration. Combat could use more complexity, but the game makes up for it with innovative premise and mechanics.
Finder's credit: Drowed
Dedicated thread
Lurking (2016) [free]
[TB] [Full Party Creation] [Open World]
Exploration- and investigation-focused RPG in the vein of Ultima 3-5 with a large open world and complex non-linear main quest.
Finder's credit: CryptRat
Dedicated thread
Siralim (2015)
Siralim 2 (2016)
[TB] [Monster Taming] [Procedural Generation] [City Management]
A unique blend of monster taming, rogulike and castle management genres. Summon or catch monsters and send them through procedurally generated dungeons completing randomized quests.
Finder's credit: Chaotic_Heretic, Humanity has risen!
Dedicated thread (Siralim 2)
Epikos (2016)
[TB] [Premade Party] [C&C] [Linear]
Despite Ultima-like appearance, Epikos is a somewhat linear game with a branching storyline and premade characters that never level up. Its gretest strength is the variety and inventiveness of you characters' and monsters' abilities.
Finder's credit: CryptRat
Dedicated thread
Towers of Twilight (2012/2016)
[TB] [Party+Hirelings] [Open World] [Procedural Generation]
Experimental RPG where you lead a party of unlimited size through a procedurally generated open world complete with glorious Spectrum-style visuals.
Finder's credit: CryptRat
Dedicated thread
Bludgeons and Krakens (2016) [free]
[TB] [Single Character] [Open World] [Combat Heavy]
Ultima-style open-world RPG mixed with Diablo-style loot threadmill. Overworld geography doesn't make sense, but the quests are varied and well-written.
Finder's credit: Infinitron (sort of)
Dedicated thread
Goetia (2016)
[Adventure/RPG] [Premade PC] [Puzzle Heavy] [No Combat] [Alternative Solutions] [Open World]
Atmospheric horror Adventure with slight RPG elements like character power-ups and alternative solutions. Not really an RPG but too good to be missed and we don't have a similar thread in the Adventure subforum.
Finder's credit: Jaesun
Dedicated thread
Void Pyramid (2016) [free]
[TB] [Dungeon Crawl] [Puzzle-Heavy] [Single Character] [Alternative Solutions]
Exploration-focused puzzle-RPG. Light on mechanics, but heavier on reactivity and alternative solutions than many full-blown RPGs.
Finder's credit: CryptRat
Balrum (2016)
[TB] [Single Character] [Crafting] [Alternative Solutions]
Single-character turn-based RPG with slow character growth, sadistic encounters and farming elements (the last are optional if you don't mind a bit of grinding).
Dedicated thread.
7 Mages (2016)
[TB] [PC+Hirelings] [Puzzle Heavy] [Dungeon Crawl]
A sequel to Gates of Skeldal featuring more than a few innovations in both mechanics and level design, but bogged down by awkward writing and simplistic character system.
Dedicated thread.
2015
Voidspire Tactics (2015)
[TB] [Full Party Creation] [Open World] [Alternative Solutions]
Open-world tactical RPG with great character system, highly interactive environments and handcrafted encounters with good AI.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: Kalasanty11, Roqua
Artifacts Adventure (2015)
[JRPG Combat] [Open World] [C&C] [Full Party Creation]
An open-world JRPG, if there can be such a thing, with full party creation and tons of C&Cs (the game boasts 70 different endings).
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: CryptRat
The Dwarf Run (2015)
[Puzzle Heavy] [Linear] [Premade Party] [Humour] [TB]
A rare party-based RPG/Adventure hybrid with hard battles, easy puzzles and nonsensical humor. The ending is reported to suck, though.
Dedicated thread
Ruzar - The Life Stone (2015)
[Dungeon Crawl] [Puzzle Heavy] [RT] [Singe Character]
A solid, if not very original, single-character RT dungeon crawler with very non-linear dungeon design. Kinda like Anvil of Dawn but with less charm.
Dedicated thread
Dex (2015)
[Platforming] [RT] [Single Character] [Open World] [???]
Sidescrolling cyberpunk RPG set in an open city. What it lacks in depth, it makes up for in fun exploration and good quest design.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: StaticSpine
Waste Walkers (2015)
[Open World] [Survival] [???]
Post-apocalyptic open-world RPG with focus on suvival made in RPGMaker.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: Roqua
Templar Battleforce (2015)
[TB] [Squad Building] [Combat Heavy] [???]
Story-centric squad-based tactical RPG heavily influenced by Warhammer 40K.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: Roqua
Dustbowl (2015)
[RPG/Adventure] [TB] [Survival] [Alternative Solutions] [Crafting]
Post-apocalyptic Adventure game with light RPG and survival elements.
Dedicated thread
2014
Heroes of Steel (2014)
[TB] [Premade Party] [Combat Heavy] [???]
Story-centryc tactical RPG from the makers of Templar Battleforce.
Finder's credit: Lhynn
Dedicated thread
Heroes of a Broken Land (2014)
[Full Party Creation] [Open World] [City Management] [Procedural Generation] [Blobber]
Turn-based blobber in M&MIII style with procedurally generated worlds and dungeons and light city management elements.
Finder's credit: Jaesun
Dedicated thread
Last Dream (2014)
[Open World] [Full Party Creation] [JRPG Combat] [RPGMaker] [???]
A mix of JRPG story and combat with WRPG openness and detailed character customization.
Finder's credit: Grape_You_In_the_Mouth, Roqua
Dedicated thread
LISA (2014)
[JRPG Combat] [Premade Party] [???]
Extremely punishing side-scrolling JRPG in a postapocalyptic setting.
Dedicated thread
2013
Datajack (2013) [free]
[RT] [Single Character] [Mission Based] [Alternative Solutions] [???]
An isometric cyberpunk Stealth Action/RPG that allows you to choose between three different factions and several approaches to missions at hand.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: Saduj, tred
The Occult Chronicles (2013)
[Boardgame] [Procedural Generation] [Optional Permadeath] [Single Character]
A unique horror-themed roguelike/boardgame hybrid with deep mechanics, rich lore and lots of well-written events and quests. Challenges are resolved through card-based minigame though, which might not be to everyone's liking.
Finder's credit: Crooked Bee, I guess
Newspost+thread
Codex review
2001 - 2012
Iji (2010) [free]
[Platforming] [RT] [Single Character] [Alternative Solutions] [???]
Described by some as "System Shock 2 in 2D" Iji is a platformer/RPG that is heavy on alternative solutions and C&Cs.
Dedicated thread
FreedroidRPG (2010?) [free]
[RT] [Crafting] [Single Character] [???]
Weird sci-fi Action-RPG in the Diablo vein but with more plot featuring the Linux mascot as a protagonist.
Finder's credit: Siveon
Age of Fear: The Undead King (2011)
Age of Fear 2: The Chaos Lord (2012)
[SRPG] [TB] [???]
Story-heavy RPG/Strategy hybrid with branching missions, persistent units and challenging turn-based combat.
Finder's credit: pakoito, oscar
Dedicated thread (Age of Fear 2)
Dark Disciples 1&2 (2004&2009) [free]
[Puzzle Heavy] [TB] [Alternative Solutions] [Single Character]
Two freeware top-down RPGs focused on puzzles with multiple build-dependent solutions. Could serve as a manual on how to do RPG level design right.
Dedicated thread
Hellion (2009) [free]
[Dungeon Crawl] [JRPG Combat] [PC+Hirelings] [Alternative Solutions]
A great dungeon crawler made in RPGMaker, but with custom character system that features 7 classes with extensive skill trees and a dozen trainable non-combat abilities.
Finder's credit: V_K
Mr. Robot (2007)
[Platforming] [JRPG Combat] [TB] [???]
A game combining isometric platforming with JRPG elements as you control a gang of robots aboard a starship on their quest to save the crew.
Dedicated thread
Finder's credit: Vault Dweller, Unkillable Cat
1990 - 2000
Aleshar: World of Ice (1997) [free]
[Open World] [Survival] [TB] [Map Travel] [Single Character]
Open-world RPG in a frozen realm with focus on survival and unique magic system. Gets pretty close to roguelikes in the number of ways you can die.
Let's play
Gates of Skeldal (1998) [free]
[Dungeon Crawl] [Puzzle Heavy] [Party Creation + Hirelings] [TB] [Blobber]
Stylish turn-based blobber set in a large and mostly open world with many unique locations to explore. Originally availible only in Czech, a fan English translation exists now.
Cythera (1999)
[Open World] [Alternative Solutions] [PC+Hirelings] [TB]
A very good Ultima clone, combining some of the best features of U5-U7 and UUW, but set in a much darker world. Unfortunately it is Mac-exclusive and incompartible with OsX. The only way to run it today is through a Mac emulator.
Finder's credit: V_K
Excelsior Phase 1: Lysandia (1993)
Excelsior Phase 2: Errondor (2000)
[Open Word] [Single Character] [TB]
Clones of Ultima 4 and 6 respectively, they make up for the lack of party with more detailed character systems. The main flaw of the games is that combat relies on RNG too much.
Finder's credit: Stabwound
Nahlakh (1994) [free]
Natuk (1999) [free]
Tower of Darkness (unreleased) [free]
Pirates of the Western Seas (unreleased) [free]
[TB] [Full Party Creation] [Combat Heavy]
Tom Proudfoot's games feature some of the best tactical RPG combat, robust character systems and little else.
Dedicated thread
Aethra Chronicles (1994) [free]
[TB] [Party Creation + Hirelings] [Open World]
A traditional turn-based RPG based on the Rolemaster PnP system with all the delicious number-crunching that implies.
Dedicated thread
Walls of Bratock (1994)
Flame Storm (1995)
[TB] [Open World] [Full Party Creation] [???]
Open-world games in the vein of Ultima 4-6 but with DnD-inspired character system.
Finder's credit: Marquess Cornwallis
Unknown
The Legacy (???)
[TB] [Open World] [Full Party Creation] [Blobber]
The older brother to a recently facelifted The Quest, The Legacy is a turn-based blobber in the vein of MM3-5 with full party creation and tons of content. Even comes with an (unwieldy) world editor.
...and you may also want to check The Codex of Roguelikes thread.
UPD: Links for non-Steam versions of some games, courtesy of CryptRat
Some games from the list can be purchased directly on the developer's site :
Voidspire Tactics
Mr. Robot (a demo version is available)
Heroes of a Broken Land (a demo version is available)
Last Dream (a demo version is available)
Age Of Fear & Age Of Fear 2 (a demo version of the second episode is available)
Dex is available without DRM on the Humble store : Dex
The Dwarf Run is available without DRM on indieGameStand : The Dwarf Run
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