I Am Overburdened

I Am Overburdened is a pixel-art roguelike dungeon crawler with turn-based combat and permadeath, emphasizing luck-based gameplay and item collection. Players navigate visible dungeon levels, battling stationary enemies and collecting a wide range of artifacts and equipment, which can be combined in numerous slots. The game features normal and nightmare modes, with the latter significantly increasing difficulty through reduced luck and healing. Runs are generally quick, lasting around 10-30 minutes, making it ideal for casual or coffee-break play sessions.

While the game is praised for its simplicity, addictiveness, and value for money, many players note that success heavily depends on RNG, sometimes making runs unwinnable regardless of strategy. Despite this, the developer’s active engagement and ongoing updates have been appreciated. The graphics are charming pixel art, and the sound design is basic but functional, though some find the music grating. Overall, it offers a lighthearted, accessible roguelike experience with moderate depth and replayability.

Highlights

Players particularly enjoy the addictive gameplay loop centered on collecting and managing a large inventory of unique items and artifacts. The pixel-art graphics are described as pleasant and fitting the game's style. The game's short, replayable runs make it suitable for quick sessions, and the developer's commitment to community feedback and regular updates is highly praised. The turn-based combat and visible dungeon layouts allow for straightforward, strategic decision-making. The inclusion of a challenging nightmare mode adds depth for those seeking extra difficulty.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the heavy reliance on RNG, which can lead to frustrating, unwinnable runs despite good strategy. The game is considered too easy or too luck-dependent by some, with limited meaningful choices during gameplay. Several players find the music and sound design repetitive or irritating. The short length and limited content reduce long-term engagement, and the nightmare mode is viewed as punishingly difficult without sufficient strategic depth. Some players desire more variety in enemies, levels, and gameplay modes to enhance replayability.