Let’s be honest: the term “roguelike” gets thrown around a lot these days. Usually, it means “you die a lot and lose your items.” But for the purists—the folks who grew up on Nethack and ADOM—a true roguelike is a specific flavor of tactical, turn-based pain.
Enter Once Upon a Dungeon II, a passion project from solo developer Tomasz (aka Koto Games) that has been quietly building a fanbase on Reddit. After spotting his latest update on r/Games, it became clear that this isn’t just another dungeon crawler. It is a love letter to the genre, infused with the dark, atmospheric folklore of Slavic mythology.
More Than Just Grid Movement
What separates Once Upon a Dungeon II from the sea of ASCII clones? Scope. While it keeps the traditional turn-based combat and grid movement, it breaks out of the dungeon walls. This game features a seamless open world. You aren’t just descending floor by floor; you are exploring a handcrafted overworld filled with dynamic lighting and hidden secrets before you ever step foot in a crypt.
The developer has also implemented features that modernize the experience without dumbing it down:
- Full Voice Acting: A rarity in the genre, adding weight to the quest system.
- Dynamic Lighting: The 2D cartoon art style pops thanks to a lighting engine that makes torches and magical effects feel tangible.
- Interactive Deities: Statues of Slavic gods aren’t just decoration; they offer gameplay buffs and interactions that can save your run.
A Labor of Love (and Code)
According to the developer’s Reddit posts, this game has been a “labor of love” developed in his free time over several years. It shows. The complexity of the systems—from an auto-collect crafting interface to a durability system that forces you to improvise—speaks to a dev who actually plays the genre.
Recent updates have added even more depth, including new spells like “Venom Surge” and “Silence Field,” giving players more tactical options when they inevitably find themselves surrounded by angry skeletons.
Why You Should Care
In an era of 100-hour AAA bloat, there is something refreshing about a focused, systems-driven RPG built by one person. It reminds me of the early days of Stardew Valley or Minecraft—projects born from obsession rather than market research.
If you have ever complained that modern RPGs “hold your hand too much,” this is your antidote. It is challenging, it is deep, and it respects your intelligence as a player.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a demo available?
Yes! Koto Games has released a demo on Steam Early Access, so you can try the mechanics before you buy.
2. What platforms is it on?
The game is currently available for Windows and Linux via Steam.
3. Is it strictly turn-based?
Yes. The world only moves when you move. This allows you to plan your tactical approach to every encounter without twitch reflexes.
4. Do I need to know Slavic mythology to understand it?
Not at all. The mythology serves as flavor for the world-building, enemies, and shrines, adding a unique atmosphere compared to standard Tolkienesque fantasy.
5. Does it have controller support?
Yes, recent updates added full gamepad support, making it playable on devices like the Steam Deck.
Conclusion
Once Upon a Dungeon II is the kind of hidden gem that makes Reddit’s indie community so vital. It is rough around the edges in the charming way only handcrafted indie games can be, but the core loop is rock solid. Go download the demo, support a solo dev, and see how long you can survive the Slavic underworld.