Run, Die, Repeat: A deep dive into roguelikes

We can’t quit roguelikes. Often literally. They drop us into danger with ever escalating powers and then, inevitably, send us back to the start. The possibility of that one perfect attempt keeps us hitting “restart.”

This week, we’re diving deep into the systems and stories that make roguelikes impossible to resist. We’ll celebrate franchise experiments like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, discover new contenders like Absolum, and investigate why players gravitate toward games that punish failure as much as they reward skill. Yes, there will be Hades talk. Prepare to celebrate a particular kind of maddening joy that is starting over in a roguelike.