December 23rd 2024.
When you first lay eyes on Caves Of Qud, you might be a bit taken aback. The graphics are nothing fancy, to say the least. But don't let that fool you - this game is a true gem, one that will transport you to a world of endless possibilities and pure role-playing bliss.
From the creators of Dwarf Fortress, Caves Of Qud is a computer role-playing game that will have you hooked from the very beginning. In an age where movies and video games boast stunning visual effects, this game takes a different approach. It relies on your imagination to bring its world to life, and trust us, it does not disappoint.
But why did the developers choose such simple graphics? Well, it turns out that they wanted to focus on creating a game that is truly massive in scale. And let's face it, creating photorealistic graphics would require a budget that only a game like GTA 6 could afford. So instead, we have a game that is not only incredibly in-depth but also has graphics that may remind you of a ZX Spectrum.
Caves Of Qud is a perfect example of an indie game that ticks all the cliches - it's a roguelike with procedurally-generated levels, meaning that each time you play, you'll encounter a new and unique experience. And while some may accuse it of being pretentious or overpriced, the truth is that it's one of the best games of the year.
But what sets Caves Of Qud apart from other games is its inspiration. While it does have elements of a roguelike, it also draws heavily from 80s classics like Ultima. In fact, the developers have mentioned that they were inspired by tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons and Gamma World, which were also the basis for games like Ultima and Wizadry.
In a world where every game seems to have some sort of RPG element, Caves Of Qud stands out. It stays true to the original concept of role-playing games - a single-player simulation of a tabletop game where you have the freedom to do almost anything, and your skills as a gamer have no impact on the outcome.
The setting of Caves Of Qud is a post-apocalyptic Earth that is anything but your typical Fallout-style wasteland. Instead, it's a world where nature has taken over and mutated into something truly alien. You'll come across remnants of the old world, but you'll also encounter advanced robots and teleportation pads, along with fantasy-style mutant monsters.
But what truly sets Caves Of Qud apart is its goal - total freedom. And this begins with character creation, where you can be anything from a human to a mutant animal with psychic powers or an incorporeal being. And while there is an underlying plot that takes inspiration from Dune, the real appeal of the game lies in its sandbox experience. It's the kind of game that makes Baldur's Gate 3 seem linear and restrictive.
Now, you might be wondering how a game with such simple graphics can offer such a complex and immersive experience. Well, the truth is that the world of Caves Of Qud is simulated in incredible detail. Everything has weight, and every action has a consequence. Fire will burn wood and grass, rocks can be broken or melted, and water will seep everywhere. And the same level of detail applies to character interactions - there are multiple factions, and your actions will have consequences.
Of course, combat is a big part of any RPG, and Caves Of Qud doesn't disappoint. It's reminiscent of old-school roguelikes, and you'll need to plan your moves carefully. The overworld map may remain the same, but almost everything else changes each time you play. However, this does bring up one of the game's few flaws - the dungeons are not handcrafted, so the rewards you get for exploring may vary.
But fear not, as Caves Of Qud is highly customizable. You can adjust the difficulty of combat and even save your progress. And while the dialogue is generally well-written and entertaining, it may come across as obscure at times. But given that the game has been in development for 15 years, it's not surprising that it has its moments of self-indulgence.
Despite these minor flaws, Caves Of Qud is a game that is surprisingly accessible. Sure, it may take some time to get used to all its systems, but the tutorial is excellent, and your time investment will be rewarded tenfold. So don't let the simple graphics fool you - Caves Of Qud is a masterpiece, one of the most open-ended and entertaining role-playing games of its time.
And with that, we come to the end of our review. Caves Of Qud may not have the most impressive visuals, but it's a game that will capture your imagination and keep you coming back for more. So don't hesitate - dive into this fascinating world and see what it has in store for you. We promise you won't be disappointed.
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