I jumped headfirst into the Evercade platform last year via the Taito Super Pocket, and I’ve steadily acquired a nice collection of cartridges filled with classic arcade games that I missed out on decades ago. My Evercade shelf is full of purple arcade and red console game cases, but it was the recent release of Roguecraft DX that made me want to pick up one of Evercade’s blue-cased home console cartridges. Developer Badger Punch Games impressed me with charmingly grotesque monsters and an engaging 16-bit soundtrack, but I had to see for myself if Rougecraft DX was as “deluxe” as the title promises. (SPOILER: it is!)
Rougecraft DX – Evercade
Specifications
- Compatibility: All Evercade consoles and handhelds.
- Genre: Action RPG.
- Number of players: One.
- Age range: 12 and up.
- Price: $39.99.
Pros
- Three unique playable characters.
- Randomly generated levels, items, and monsters provide many hours of replayability.
- Charming retro visuals.
- Easy to pick up, addictive for those who need to master.
- Atmospheric 16-bit soundtrack.
- Affordable.
Cons
- No save feature may put some players off, but it’s a feature for the genre, not a bug!
- The soundtrack isn’t on Spotify.
What Is Roguecraft DX?
Before I tell you what Rougecraft DX is, it’s well worth taking a moment to note its history. The original Rougecraft was designed for the original Amiga home computer by the two-person team behind Badger Punch Games, and that game spawned from their original concept of Rouge 64, which was first released for the Commodore 64. Some of the differences that sets Roguecraft DX apart from its predecessors include all-new monsters to fight, strange new potions to find and guzzle down, five unexplored levels, an achievement system, fresh music, and more, all on a little Evercare cartridge.
The core concept of Roguecraft DX is simple: you choose between the Warrior, the Rouge, and the Wizard, and explore the sprawling dungeon-like realm for the golden key that unlocks the next level. Each room is procedurally generated, so you won’t know which items, creatures, traps, and secrets lay within until you venture forth…
But Is It Fun?
Evercade had me completely hooked with the Roguecraft DX trailer, but I was surprised at how simple it is to jump into. All players need are the directional pad to wander around and auto-battle enemies by walking into them (unless you have magic missiles, of course) and the A button to use items from your inventory.
Roguecraft DX has an action-arcade-RPG feel to it, as every step you take through its gorgeously crafted pixelated landscapes also allows any creatures in the room a “turn” to move, too. Smart players will time their movements to get the jump on the nasty monsters, sidestep traps, and tactfully avoid confrontations to preserve health, slaughter baddies for experience and treasure, and get yourself to the next floor alive.
I should note that this is the first Evercade game to not have a save feature, but it’s for a good reason; you’ll want to set aside some time for Roguecraft DX anyway, as one bad play can ruin the journey for you, and you’ll need to restart from the Wilderness just outside of the dungeon. If you could save and retry after being stung by a Skorpeeo or slaughtered by Garry the ghost at the worst time possible, it takes all of the excitement out of the challenge. No save for you!
Between the pixel-perfect environments, visually distinct monsters, and atmospheric chiptunes, it was way too easy for me to get absorbed into Roguecraft DX for an hour at a time, as opposed to the shorter 15-20 minute play sessions I normally have with an Evercade game. On top of that, the core design of this game heavily promotes replayability, as you only get a single life (unless you’re really lucky,) there are a host of achievements to unlock, the trio of hero characters all feel completely different to play, and the game itself swaps around to keep you on your toes every time you play. For example, there are three potion types: green potions that always restore health, as well as red and blue editions that have different effects whenever you start a new game. That blue potion that turned the giant slobbering fiend into a helpless chicken the first time you played may give you a timed burst of invisibility this time, so you can sneak by an interdimensional horror unnoticed. But, you’ll have to take a taste to find out!
The Evercade Experience
I played Roguecraft DX on my handhelf Taito Super Pocket, and despite the smaller screen, the game was dependably crisp, clear, and vibrant, although of course I’m sure its sprawling dungeons and tentacled horrors look even better on the big screen.
Another perk of investing in a physical Evercade cartridge is how every game includes a full-color manual, along with potential bonus goodies. Roguecraft DX hit it out of the park with its fold-out poster featuring the delightfully strange cover art, and an in-depth manual. If you end up having as much fun making every step count in Roguecraft DX as I did, then reading developer stories, studying up on indispensable strategies, and drinking in the cool pixel art of the game’s nasty beasts will be a real treat.
Who Needs to Play Roguecraft DX?
Rougecraft DX – Evercade
If you enjoy atmospheric adventure games that are a snap to pick up, but take a bit of consideration and a pinch of luck to master, you’ll want to revisit and conquer Roguecraft DX’s 15 levels for a long time to come. There are plenty of secrets to uncover, it’s a blast mastering each of its three hero types, and honing your skill to survive level 15 with as much gold as you can find can get addicting. Take it from me, with over 100 other home computer games on the Evercade platform, I’m interested in checking out the Thalamus Collection 1 cartridge next. They’ve obviously got great taste, since they published Rougecraft DX.
