I have a weak spot when it comes to roguelike games. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it’s hard to classify, but there are a few rules. Generally, procedurally generated dungeons and permadeath are a part of it. Popup Dungeon is a new roguelike strategy RPG on Kickstarter that brings the elements of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons straight to the digital age. The team recently updated the Kickstarter to include a Wii U stretch goal, so if you’re interested in seeing more fantasy games on the console, give the pitch video a watch.
So what is Popup Dungeon? It’s a unique take on the classic dungeon experience. It has all the elements of a roguelike, including perma-death, procedural dungeons and tons of loot, but it also combines tactical gameplay with plenty of new weapons, abilities, characters, and enemies.. all which can be user created. The papercraft theme will allow players to create their own characters and weapons and import them into the game, giving characters unique looks. Multiplayer is also planned for a stretch goal, meaning online co-op could see two characters exploring a dungeon together.
Ability creation is also a feature the development team is excited about, with the Kickstarter page showcasing how players will be able to add their own abilities to the game instantly:
- Customize look and name
- Choose from hundreds of effects
- Add Experience Points
- Determine Activation Cost
- Set Range and Area of Effect
- Optionally: Add Negative and Conditions to enhance the ability’s potency of positive effects
If you’re confused, check out this video to learn more:
Overall, it looks like the team is crafting a highly detailed game that would be worthy of eventually landing on the Wii U. Right now the Wii U is a stretch goal for the team, but it could be possible to get there as the team has gathered $44k of the $80k needed, with 14 days left to go. Definitely check this one out if you’re at all interested in dungeon crawler games.
