Video Games

Challenging Action RPGs by FromSoftware

Dark Souls is a dark fantasy action role-playing game series developed by FromSoftware and created by Hidetaka Miyazaki. Known for its high difficulty, intricate level design, and atmospheric storytelling, the series has defined the "Soulslike" genre and is often cited as some of the greatest games of all time.

Core Trilogy:

• Dark Souls (2011) - The game that started it all, spiritual successor to Demon's Souls
• Dark Souls II (2014) - Expanded gameplay with new directors
• Dark Souls III (2016) - Miyazaki's return, combining best elements of the series

Related FromSoftware Games:

• Demon's Souls (2009) - The original that inspired Dark Souls
• Bloodborne (2015) - Gothic horror Souls-like with faster combat
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) - Emphasis on precise parrying and posture-based combat
• Elden Ring (2022) - Open-world evolution of Souls formula

What Makes Souls Special:

• Challenging but fair combat requiring patience and learning
• Environmental storytelling and cryptic lore
• Interconnected world design with shortcuts and secrets
• Risk-reward death mechanics
• Memorable boss encounters

Series Statistics:

• Over 37 million copies shipped worldwide (as of 2024)
• Created the "Soulslike" subgenre
• Multiple Game of the Year awards across the series

Classic Turn-Based Permadeath Games

Traditional roguelikes are turn-based dungeon crawlers with permadeath and procedural generation. Unlike roguelites which allow persistent upgrades between runs, true roguelikes reset everything upon death. These games follow the "Berlin Interpretation" of roguelike design: turn-based, grid-based, procedurally generated, permanent death, and complex systems.

Core Characteristics:

• Turn-based gameplay - think carefully about each move
• Permadeath - when you die, you start completely over
• Procedural generation - every run is different
• Grid-based movement - tactical positioning matters
• Complex emergent gameplay from simple systems
• ASCII or tile-based graphics (traditionally)

Notable Traditional Roguelikes:

• NetHack - The classic since 1987, incredibly deep systems
• ADOM (Ancient Domains of Mystery) - Complex RPG elements
• Brogue - Elegant, streamlined roguelike experience
• Caves of Qud - Science-fantasy setting with incredible depth
• Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup - Polished and balanced classic roguelike
• Tales of Maj'Eyal (ToME) - Modern graphics, traditional depth
• Cogmind - Sci-fi robot roguelike with ASCII art
• Jupiter Hell - Turn-based tactics in space setting

Why Play Roguelikes:

• Every run tells a unique story
• Master complex systems and emergent gameplay
• Victory feels earned after many failures
• Incredible replayability
• Active and passionate communities

Resources:

• Rogueliker - News and reviews
• r/roguelikes - Community discussion

The Genre-Defining ARPG Franchise

Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo series pioneered the action RPG genre with its visceral combat, randomized loot, and addictive gameplay loop. Fight through hordes of demons while collecting legendary gear and building powerful character builds.

Series Entries:

• Diablo II (2000) - The legendary classic, considered by many the best ARPG ever made. Resurrected edition released in 2021 with modern graphics.
• Diablo III (2012) - Refined combat, dynamic difficulty, and seasonal content. Reaper of Souls expansion (2014) greatly improved the game.
• Diablo IV (2023) - Returns to darker aesthetic, open world, live service model with regular updates and seasons.

Links:

• Diablo IV Official Site
• Diablo II: Resurrected

Mythological ARPG Adventure

Developed by Iron Lore Entertainment (2006), Titan Quest takes the Diablo formula and sets it in ancient mythology across Greece, Egypt, and the Orient. Fight mythological creatures, collect legendary artifacts, and master the unique dual-mastery class system.

Key Features:

• Dual-class mastery system - combine any two skill trees
• Rich mythological setting and lore
• Extensive modding community
• Anniversary Edition (2016) with continued support

Links:

• Titan Quest on Steam

Dark Victorian ARPG by Crate Entertainment

Created by former Iron Lore developers (2016), Grim Dawn is the spiritual successor to Titan Quest set in a dark, war-torn Victorian world. Features deep character customization, challenging endgame content, and a vast constellation system.

Key Features:

• Dual-class system with 36 possible combinations
• Constellation devotion system for additional customization
• Faction warfare and reputation systems
• No online requirements - fully playable offline
• Extensive endgame: Shattered Realm, Crucible, Celestial bosses

Links:

• Grim Dawn Official Site
• Grim Dawn on Steam

Precision Combat ARPG by Moon Studios

From the award-winning developers of Ori and the Blind Forest, No Rest for the Wicked (2024 Early Access) combines ARPG loot systems with Soulslike precision combat. Set on the plague-ridden island of Isola Sacra, play as a holy warrior investigating the mysterious "Pestilence."

Key Features:

• Soulslike combat: parrying, dodge-rolling, stamina management
• WASD/controller movement instead of point-and-click
• Top-down perspective with hand-drawn art style
• Crafting, cooking, and survival elements
• Regular updates during Early Access

Development:

• 6 years in development by Moon Studios
• Released April 2024 (Early Access)
• Full release planned for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Links:

• Official Website
• Steam Page

Nonogram Logic Puzzles by Nintendo

Picross (short for "picture crossword") is Nintendo's series of nonogram puzzle games developed by Jupiter Corporation. Use number clues to fill in grid squares and reveal hidden pictures. A perfect blend of logic, deduction, and relaxing gameplay.

How to Play:

• Numbers indicate consecutive filled squares in each row/column
• Use logic to deduce which squares must be filled or blank
• Complete the grid to reveal a pixel art picture
• No guessing required - pure logic puzzles

Series History:

• Started with Mario's Picross (Game Boy, 1995)
• Picross DS (2007) - First international release in 12 years
• Picross e series (3DS) - 9 titles on the eShop
• Picross S series (Switch) - 9 titles with hundreds of puzzles
• Character editions: Pokémon Picross, Zelda: Twilight Princess Picross

Why Play Picross:

• Pure logic - no guessing, no time pressure
• Relaxing yet mentally engaging
• Hundreds of puzzles in each game
• Perfect for short sessions or long marathons
• Satisfying "aha!" moments when solving tricky sections

Links:

• Picross Games on Nintendo
• Play Picross Online (Free)

Virtual Tabletop for Any Board Game

Tabletop Simulator is a physics-based sandbox game that recreates a virtual tabletop where you can play any board game imaginable. Developed by Berserk Games, it's the ultimate platform for playing board games online with friends.

Core Features:

• Physics-based simulation - flip tables, throw dice, shuffle cards
• Multiplayer for up to 10 players with online voice chat
• Save and load game states at any time
• VR support for immersive gameplay
• Rewind and undo features

Massive Content Library:

• 15+ official licensed DLCs (Wingspan, Scythe, Zombicide, etc.)
• Steam Workshop with 50,000+ community mods
• Play virtually any board game that exists
• Classic games included: Chess, Poker, Dominoes, Mahjong, RPG kits

Perfect For:

• Playing with remote friends and family
• Testing games before buying physical copies
• Playing rare or out-of-print games
• Solo playtesting and learning rules
• Creating custom games and prototypes

Community & Modding:

• Active modding community creating content daily
• Scripting support for automation and custom rules
• Official Discord and forums
• Regular updates and improvements

Links:

• Tabletop Simulator Official Site
• Steam Page
• Steam Workshop