Great to see a rogue-like released in this century. : )
I enjoyed the difficulty and tactical elements, although the game could use a little more enemies (and not so obvious extra traits), as after the first encounter you pretty much know everything about this particular monster. More weapons with random characteristics would also be fantastic - hands down, hammer is the best weapon out there for now. Only an additional feature triggered by power attack (like 1 tile push or something) would make me consider sacrificing the -1AP on each attack. Think about it.
Things get way too easy after reaching the orc level. As soon as you get a weapon that restores 4 health (I was lucky enough to get a hammer, so yeah), you're pretty much unstoppable. Add 4-5 speed points to that and congratulations: nothing can kill you. The game could use a little more ranged enemies - while orc hordes seemed like a challenge at first, all you had to do was to find a corridor and fight them one by one. Things would have been a little more fun with an orc archer around.
Troll level was a huge disappointment and no challenge at all, considering how fast I was when I got there. I would also like to have a possibility to play a little longer, on a fully random dungeon with enemies from all previous levels.
My suggestions? Well, they can be simply summed up to "add more content". The game could use more weapon bonuses, new levels, more enemies (possibly with some new AI and abilities, like pushing or 2-tile-range attack with a spear) and more features from older rogue-likes. Maybe hunger (and possibly even light) is too much, but stuff like magic, points(/money) system and a randomly appearing shop could be great. Sadly, by the time I finished the game, I never had any off-hand items except for two shields, but if there aren't any other - make sure to add some. Armour with constant bonuses or some kind of a dagger (imagine double power attack!) is what I was hoping for. As for balance, vampiric items get too strong and speed is far too good as a simple level-up bonus. You could limit it a little, like making it available only on every second level. Hammer is also too good, it could have a 50% chance to trigger the -1AP bonus.
Would give 5 stars, but the 3+ levels are kind of disappointing. Still, it COULD be an amazing game some day. : )
And now, some tips for the frustrated ones:
- Get a hammer. Nothing beats -1AP bonus, seriously. The green one (vampiric) is probably the best (you can get one that restores 4 health), but I'm pretty sure it's possible to get a red (fortified/power) one tha that can actually restore some health on each hit. (Wouldn't count on more than 1, though.)
- Always hit with the power attack, unless you're using a weapon without a special effect triggered by charging and regular attack's double damage is as high or higher than power attack's normal damage. Nevertheless, always make sure to charge up your weapon and shield when you're not fighting. Also, don't forget that charges reset after going downstairs.
- Check every item, it's easy to miss great weapons. Two items of the same colour can have completely different abilities. For example, you can miss a green vampiric hammer that restores 2 health instead of 1 or a green STURDY vampiric hammer that can deal more damage.
- Always choose speed when you level up.
- Carefully measure the speed of your enemies. Let them come to you, you save some points thanks to that.
- Always charge your shield before breaking boxes. Sometimes, you can encounter gnomes that live inside - and if you're unlucky enough to get an enraged one, they can easily make you lose 2 hearts.
- If you're low on health and there are some boxes around, don't waste a potion. Get a vampiric weapon, charge it and break them - you restore life with power attacks like in a regular fight.
- Hide behind doors to recover. Note that some enemies (mostly humanoids) can open doors. Doors can also be broken, but the run-hit-run-hide method usually works great, provided you have 3+ speed.
- Always fight enemies one by one.
- Don't run away from enemies to unvisited rooms and NEVER let them block you.
- Sometimes it's better to retreat and restore some health, remember that. Running away and splitting up enemies (especially if they got mages or archers) can let you win pretty much any fight, really.
Hope that helps!