Unexplored introduces “cyclic dungeon generation”
Next week’s launch of roguelite action rpg Unexplored also marks the first official release of a game using Cyclic Dungeon Generation, the new way of creating -less- random levels and emergent gameplay.
Unexplored creates its dungeons not by way of branching paths, but by using cycles. This technique, called Cyclic Dungeon Generation, results in levels that feel much closer to handcrafted levels compared to standard generated dungeons.
— In the video above, the creator of Unexplored explains Cyclic Dungeon Generation in 47 seconds —
Early Access: 100% Positive Reviews
Unexplored has been in Early Access since August 2016, received 27 major updates and currently sits at a 100% positive review rating ( at time of writing, see: http://store.steampowered.com/app/506870/#app_reviews_hash ).
Praise from Vlambeer
An early version of the game received high praise from some famed developers, including Jan Willem Nijman of Vlambeer, designer of Apple iPhone Game of the Year Ridiculous Fishing and roguelite Nuclear Throne ( see: https://twitter.com/jwaaaap/status/765610084126818304 ).
Best Read Article
Creator Joris Dormans first explained the basics behind Cyclic Dungeon Generation in a post that became 2016’s most read article on development website Control 500 ( see: http://ctrl500.com/tech/handcrafted-feel-dungeon-generation-unexplored-explores-cyclic-dungeon-generation/ ).
Dormans has given talks on Cyclic Dungeon Generation at several game development conferences, including Procjam 2016, Control Conference 2016 and Everything Procedural.
Roguelike or Roguelite?
Unexplored is in fact a roguelite that is closer to Rogue in spirit than many roguelikes. The game is best described as a realtime, generated dungeon crawler inspired by Brogue.
The creators
The game is created by Ludomotion, the studio of famed developer Joris Dormans, known for his research in the field of procedural content generation, emergent gameplay and the highly acclaimed math game, Sumico (rated 9/10 by Nintendo Life).
More about Unexplored:
Unexplored is an accessible yet challenging roguelite action rpg, featuring a fantastic level generator. Explore dangerous dungeons, solve mysterious puzzles and engage hundreds of foes, big and small, in intense melee combat
- ‘Easy to learn, easy to die’-gameplay
- Brand new dungeon generator tech, the first of its kind
- Emergent gameplay with many tactical options
- Diverse, real-time, dual wielding melee combat
- Stealth mechanics (dungeon crawling like a real rogue…)
- 53 possible bosses
- Challenging, generated puzzles
- Adaptive, original soundtrack
