Desktop Dungeons

 PC
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Quarter to Three
    Nov 15, 2013
    100
    Remember when you thought this was a frivolous roguelike and not a seriously meaty strategy game that you’ll be playing for literally days? How silly of you.
  2. GamingTrend
    Mar 6, 2014
    90
    One of the best games to come out of the indie dev scene in recent years, Desktop Dungeons takes the best aspects of a roguelike dungeon crawl, distills them down to the essentials, and puts a tactical, puzzle-minded spin on the genre that is not only unique, but brilliantly executed.
  3. Eurogamer Germany
    Jan 16, 2014
    90
    'Just one more dungeon!' – this is the sort of addictive game that gets a reviewer in trouble for not getting the article done in time.
  5. USgamer
    Nov 29, 2013
    90
    While the amount of strategic thinking required will put off those who prefer games with a little less difficulty and a little more immediacy, Desktop Dungeons is a creative, rewarding and utterly addictive game that will keep you raiding goblin lairs until the small hours.
  6. RPG Fan
    Jan 9, 2014
    88
    One of the most cognitive, strategic gaming experiences available now.
  7. Games Master UK
    Jan 14, 2014
    87
    Comes highly recommended, providing you're capable of stopping and using your loaf from time to time. [Feb 2014, p.78]
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  8. PC Gamer UK
    Oct 8, 2011
    81
    Bite-sized, colourful chunks of randomly generated adventure. It's the perfect casual roguelike experience. [Nov 2011, p.114]
  9. Destructoid
    Dec 2, 2013
    80
    QCF Design had a fantastic core game built years ago, and it holds up today, especially with the added bells and whistles. Despite its generic title, there really is nothing else like the dungeon-puzzling found here.
  10. Critical Hit
    Nov 29, 2013
    75
    Desktop Dungeons is a fantastic rogue-like ideal for gamers who have some masochistic tendencies and don't mind spending hours to achieve the personal growth required for success. Those looking for quick and easy rewards should look elsewhere. You'll never look at a goat the same way.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best PC Game of 2010
90
#90 Most Discussed PC Game of 2010
59
#59 Most Shared PC Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 71
  3. Negative: 11 out of 71
  1. Vectis99
    Oct 18, 2018
    4
    Desktop Dungeons is constructed upon a brilliant, short puzzle based dungeon crawler. The mechanics are very tight, managing to avoid theDesktop Dungeons is constructed upon a brilliant, short puzzle based dungeon crawler. The mechanics are very tight, managing to avoid the loose and arbitrary balancing of other dungeon crawlers.
    However, this sort of puzzle captures less long term attention than I would have originally expected. Furthermore, the persistence and grinding added to the game by the long term "campaign" is very obstructive and frustrating. There are also a lot of mechanics which just don't feel like they were very well thought out in terms of their overall contribution to the experience. Lastly, the game tiles are very ugly.
    Overall, Desktop Dungeons is a sort of annoying time and money sink which won't provide very much gratification.
    It is worth noting that a reduced, free version of the game is available online.    … Full Review »
  2. malcolmm
    Apr 2, 2014
    10
    I've played this game for over 60 hours and I still have lots more levels to finish. So obviously I really like the game.
    Desktop Dungeons    I've played this game for over 60 hours and I still have lots more levels to finish. So obviously I really like the game.
    Desktop Dungeons won't appeal to you if fancy graphics and sound are important to you. The graphics and sound are basic but very serviceable. If you enjoy strategy games with lots of variety, where a game (level) can be completed in 30 - 60 minutes, you will probably enjoy this game.
    Good strategies will almost always be the deciding factor, but luck plays a minor role. I found the game a tiny bit frustrating in the early going when I hadn't yet figured out many of the strategies, and when I got a tough dungeon layout it seemed a bit unfair. This would be a bigger problem if completing a level took more time.    … Full Review »
  3. Orkimond
    Dec 7, 2013
    10
    This game is amazing, it's a simple, beautifully designed and balanced strategy/roguelike/puzzle game that will have you stuck to yourThis game is amazing, it's a simple, beautifully designed and balanced strategy/roguelike/puzzle game that will have you stuck to your keyboard for hundreds of hours. It's incredibly deep, it will draw you in so fast and so hard so be prepared for that.… Full Review »
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