This roguelite has a brilliant twist on Warhammer Quest’s dungeon crawling, and it’s out today

Into To The Restless Ruins is a roguelite dungeon crawler where you build the dungeon as you go. I really enjoyed the demo, and the full game is out today. In a show of confidence I always appreciate, the demo is also still available. Launch trailer below. It’s got a quote from one of my articles in it, although they opted not to use the phrase “like hailstones battering the word ‘bum’ into soft cement” for some reason. Perplexing times we live in.

Joining the word ‘bum’ in my demo preview was some thoughts on how the concept initially reminded me of the first iteration of tabletop dungeon crawler Warhammer Quest, which used a randomised tile deck to keep you guessing about the layout of your subterranean environs. Things work a little differently here: you’ll be trying to reach a goal by constructing your dungeon from a deck you can add more cards to after each run. The runs involve autobattling, although you can finesse it somewhat with positioning.

I actually think the automatic combat is the sensible choice here, though, because you haven’t got a map, and it keeps your brainspace free for navigation. As your layout gets more complex, you end up memorising routes and building in such a way as to allow you to scoop up more rewards. Maybe create a little enclave of healing rooms so you can batter enemies for longer? Maybe something more devious. Don’t tell me. That’ll ruin your chittering schemes, ratman. I wasn’t actually sure if I’d missed the map, initially, so I mentioned it the article, and designer Tony Gowland replied. Who’s quoting who now, Ant Workshop!

“There’s no map while you’re adventuring,” wrote Tony. “This was deliberate so that keeping your dungeon memorable as you build it is another thing players have to factor in. It’s by far the most controversial design element and we’re really happy it landed for you”.

It most definitely did. Into the Restless Ruins is currently £12/€13/$13 on Steam. Bum bum, bum bum. Bum, bum. Bum.