Here’s a list of the best dungeon crawlers out there that you can lay your hands on right now. Let’s face it; the dungeon crawl genre is a dying breed these days, with RPGs not giving as much attention to it as was given earlier. We still have a number of classics we can rely on to provide similar experiences though. Today we’ll be going through our libraries to pick out some of the finest such titles you can play right now. If navigating convoluted environments while battling viscous monsters and looting treasures is something you like your role-playing games to contain more of, you’ve come to the right place. Sit back, and go through the descriptions of these eight titles we’ve gathered for you today. So without any further delay, let’s get going with the list.
1 – The Bard’s Tale
2004’s The Bard’s Tale is as spoof on fantasy RPG archetypes, and this is evident through most of its unique offerings. Developed by InXile Entertainment, this game places you in the shoes of an opportunistic musician and adventurer whose only driving factors are ‘coin and cleavage.’ Conflict is brought in by the narrator who despises the player character and is constantly mocking his actions. The humor which results is hard to forget. The Bard’s Tale features plenty of dungeon crawling which renders you with encounters with dangerous creatures. First released for the PS2 and the Xbox, it’s now available for PC, Mac, Linux as well as Android, iOS and BlackBerry Playbook.
2 – Torchlight II
Dungeon crawler fans will be pleased to know that this unique title is characterized by its randomly generated dungeons. You are asked to choose from four playable classes, even as you move through dangerous locations while exploring them, fending off numerous types of monsters and collecting lots of loot. Torchlight II even contains a multiplayer component which allows you to play cooperatively online or over LAN. Developed by Runic Games, this awesome action-RPG is available only for PC at the moment.
3 – Titan Quest
Released in 2006 exclusively for PC, Titan Quest won’t stop pleasing you with its amazing hack and slash combat which is provided company by its action-RPG and dungeon crawler elements. Based on the historical legend of the end of communication between the gods and humanity, it takes you through settings that include Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt as well as Asia. In 2007, Titan Quest was blessed with a brilliant expansion called Immortal Throne which is equally enjoyable.
4 – Neverwinter Nights
The iconic game which Neverwinter Nights rightfully is, has been granted a tremendously pleasing dungeon crawling model. This deep game is based on the third edition of D&D rules, and its story revolves around a plague-hit quarantined city that you’re needed to save by finding a cure. The journey takes you through a number of perilous dungeons filled to the brim with marvelous scenarios. Neverwinter Nights also kicks in support for online multiplayer. The game was first released in 2002 for Windows, and is now available for Linux as well as Mac.
5 – Diablo 3
It’s hard to ignore the Diablo phenomenon even if you’re not a fan of such titles. Following two hugely successful outings, the series’ third main iteration was released in 2012, and managed to break many sales records thanks mainly to its ruthlessly enjoyable gameplay. Providing you with a choice to play as five different character classes, it renders you with some of the most pleasing role-playing gameplay you’ll ever lay your hands on. Cooperative dungeon crawling just amplifies the fun furthermore. Diablo 3 was first launched for PC and Mac, but it was in September last year that it made its way to the PS3 and the Xbox 360. A PS4 version is also in the works right now, apart from a rumored Xbox One edition.
6 – Legend of Grimrock
This recently released game is an ode to the grid-based dungeon crawlers of the past. Created by a four-man indie development team, Legend of Grimrock is played in the first-person perspective, and is an RPG at heart of course. Its charm lies in its amalgamation of puzzle solving and combat elements. Furthermore, it has been equipped with a memorable story as well. Released in 2012 for PC, Mac and Linux, it’s even slated to hit iOS sometime this year.
7 – Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition
Here’s an old classic which refuses to become irrelevant. A revamped version of Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn and its Throne of Bhaal expansion, this game presents you with hundreds of unrelenting hours of dungeon crawling action. Based on the second edition D&D rules, It features an unforgettable story as well as some really interesting characters. Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition was released in November last year, and is available right now for PC and Mac.
8 – Nox
Nox tells the story of a young man named Jack who’s from Earth, but is pulled into a high fantasy parallel universe where he’s tasked with defeating the evil sorceress Hecubah and her army of Necromancers. The game features three character classes, and depending on the one you choose, the story decides its own course and ending. Diverse multiplayer offerings have also been granted to this title by its developers. It was released in the year 2000, for PC.
Conclusion:
That ends our roster of the best dungeon crawlers which you can lay your hands on. We know you’ll like all of them, so make sure to leave your feedback on them after playing these games.