Next up is the confusingly named 7DRL Challenge Challenge. I would’ve gone with a more descriptive name like “Time Attack” or “Time’s Up!” or “Where the @#$%^# is that damned down staircase??”.

This game uses the LOVE engine, which is some kind of 2D lua game-making framework. Since my game requires both python and pygame, I can’t really complain about downloading LOVE, so away we go.

First problem — this game is way too small! Apparently some people in the forums had the same problem. Since I was determined to play this game I found a solution (others may not be so forgiving):

• Extract the .love file
• edit the “player.lua” file
• rhe last line says “fixed.ttf’, 8
• change the 8 to 16, or (presumably) any other number
• rezip the files
• re-name the archive to .love
• re-launch the new .love package

Aaah… much better!

Now, with that out of the way, we can play the game. Here is the good part: this game is fun! The goal is to get yourself (@) to the down stair (>) on each level. In your way will be pits (0) walls (#) and doors (+). So, what’s the catch?

You need to do this in about 30 seconds.

It is a perfect example of a first 7DRL entry. It has a simple potentially non-genre-standard mechanic (time is ticking in real time) and a simple presentation. The way the level fades to black as your time runs out is quite ingenious and also quite maddening! Never before have I mashed my numpad keys so frantically in a roguelike. Running, Running, RUNNNIIINNNGGG!!!!

Noooooo! (fade to black)

So yeah, it’s fun.

One beef — is every level “winnable”? There were a few times when I couldn’t see a way through.

A few suggestions:

• exit highlighting — show me the exit when the level starts. I wasted the first 5-10 seconds of every level just looking for the > symbol. Or maybe just change the color?
• time tokens — if you can’t find the exit quick enough, run for one of these to give yourself some extra time

Good for what it is. A solid 7DRL.

Rook is a 7DRL entry by Joshua Day. The concept intrigued me, and the screenshots caught my eye. (Note to roguelike developers: screenshots!!)

At first, I was at a loss of what I was supposed to be doing. The readme.txt was not very helpful in explaining some of the core mechanics of the game. However, the success post on 7drl.org was helpful:

As long as you’re wearing the orb of the Turk, you can’t die a stupid death — every move you can make has to kill you.  If you take it off, you’re playing a traditional roguelike.  The ring of vulnerability will save you from losing any hitpoints, because every hit you take will kill you, which is forbidden by the orb.

Well, that explains that!

After reading that I felt a little bit stupid. Surely the name “rook” should’ve inspired me with some vaguely chess-oriented thoughts. Once I got the mechanics down it was a very fun little roguelike.

The game gave me a mad pell-mell sort of feel, with bouts of extreme tactical decision making. This is a good combination! I also liked the terrain. The trees (&) were first seen as obstructions, but later, as friends. I can use trees to lose pursuers! That way I don’t have to risk taking off the ring to dispatch them. And always, always, always, trying to move right.

Nice line of sight (through the grass)

A fate worse than death?

Being “checkmated” is a unique way to end the game. Is there some way I can reverse my steps and make different decisions? That would be pretty amazing.

There is one particularly mean bug in that potions and scrolls can fall on obstructed terrain. The author is up-front about it and mentions it in the readme. But it is still quite sad to run out of your way over to a healing potion (!) only to find your way blocked. It is like the game is taunting me. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Who doesn’t enjoy a good taunting every now and then?

After a few dozen mad-dashes rightward (yes, it is worth it to go after potions and scrolls) I was finally able to kill the king. Huzzah!

Take that, you evil tyrant of some kind!

I also noticed that the game seems to be using curses? This would make for a great terminal game. Perfect for breaks at work between other games.

Either way, excellent work. Looking forward to the next version.

Pitman Krumb. Odd name, but definitely worth a play.