Caves of Qud
" Deep sci-fi roguelike RPG with rich lore and mutations but steep difficulty and bugs "
Caves of Qud Review
Caves of Qud is widely celebrated as a deep, complex roguelike RPG with a richly detailed world and extensive gameplay mechanics. Players praise its vast open-world exploration, intricate mutation and skill systems, and the freedom to solve problems in multiple creative ways. The game's retro pixel art style and unique sci-fi setting contribute to its distinct charm, attracting both roguelike veterans and newcomers. Many users note the game's steep learning curve and punishing difficulty, which can be both a source of challenge and frustration.
Despite its ambition and depth, some players find the procedural generation leads to a disjointed narrative experience and occasionally unfair random deaths. Quality of life features and UI design receive criticism for being clunky or unintuitive. Bugs, especially in late-game storylines, have also disrupted some playthroughs. However, the developers continue to update and improve the game, and the community remains engaged with its evolving content and mod support.
Highlights
Gameplay mechanics are highly praised for their depth, variety, and creativity, allowing multiple solutions to challenges.
The story and lore are immersive, with extensive world-building and meaningful NPC interactions.
The graphics and UI receive mixed but generally positive remarks for their retro pixel art style and clarity.
Replayability is exceptional due to diverse character builds, mutations, and open-ended exploration.
The game’s ambition and developer dedication are frequently commended.
Criticisms
Players often cite a steep difficulty curve and occasional unfair RNG deaths as frustrating.
The procedural generation sometimes results in a lack of narrative cohesion and immersion.
UI and quality of life features are criticized for being awkward, unintuitive, and lacking conveniences like mass inventory management.
Some report game-breaking bugs, especially near the endgame, which have negatively impacted their experience.
The story can feel railroaded or shallow with limited faction choices and static NPCs.
Pros
- • Incredibly deep and varied gameplay mechanics with creative problem-solving options.
- • Extensive and immersive world-building with rich lore and meaningful NPCs.
- • High replayability due to diverse character builds and mutations.
- • Unique retro pixel art style that fits the game’s atmosphere.
- • Engaging mutation and skill systems that allow for unusual character customization.
- • Open-world exploration with multiple ways to approach quests and challenges.
- • Developers actively improve and expand the game post-release.
Cons
- • Steep difficulty and punishing RNG deaths can frustrate new players.
- • Procedural generation sometimes leads to disjointed narrative and immersion loss.
- • UI and inventory management are clunky and lack quality of life features.
- • Frequent game-breaking bugs reported, especially near main story endings.
- • Some quests and factions feel underdeveloped or railroady.
- • Early game can be tedious and unforgiving, causing player attrition.
- • Graphics style may not appeal to all players despite fitting the theme.
Rating Criteria
Caves of Qud is a science fantasy roguelike epic steeped in retrofuturism, deep simulation, and swathes of sentient plants. Come inhabit an exotic world and chisel through layers of thousand-year-old civilizations.
