Rogue (video game)

Rogue [ ɹəʊg ] is a 1980 published and developed at the University of Berkeley, California turn-based computer role-playing game with ASCII graphics.

The game

The game became the forefather of his own genre, the so-called rogue -likes. There are a number of further developments on many operating systems. The at that time technically related implementation was an ideal form for programming non-commercial computer role-playing games. There are numerous freeware variations, but most ports are not free.

Aim of the game

The player 's mission is to retrieve the Amulet of Yendor from one populated by monsters dungeon. To facilitate this, he finds in the various levels of the dungeon a variety of weapons, potions, rods and entitlements, magic rings, armor and food and gold. With the necessary luck to find the right items, and a good tactic, which plays an immensely important role in this game, it may also be against the very strong monsters in the later levels.

Appeal of the game

The charm of the extremely simple structured game, which was intended as a fast break filler that is playable without lengthy study of a manual, is that every game is completely regenerated. This repeats are excluded and the player never knows what to expect exactly.

Weaknesses of the game

The greatest weakness as it stands today very primitive graphics is considered, which consists entirely of ASCII characters. This traditional representation but is absolutely regarded as an art form. It also provides the advantage of allowing the player's imagination complete freedom and is considered by many experienced players even as a strength.

A further disadvantage is that the later level of the player without a great equipment, which is found in the required quality is rarely in the previous levels, are virtually insoluble.