Indie Seen - Roguelike Special

We're currently in the middle of a roguelike renaissance, with more and more games borrowing mechanics from a sub-genre built on randomised levels and permadeath. All of the games mentioned in this latest instalment of Indie Seen feature roguelike traits, so if you're looking for a sterner challenge, with none of the hand-holding that you'll get in many other titles, this is definitely a good place to start.

Spelunky - Derek Yu

Spelunky has a bit of a reputation for being a dev's game. One that is favoured by people inside the industry, but perhaps is not as warmly appreciated by the average gamer. It's a platform game with roguelike elements by Derek Yu, and it's been out on PC for some time now. Last year it was repackaged and released on Xbox 360 via XBLA, complete with fancy HD graphics, and recently this revamped version of the game made it back to its spiritual home on PC. Local co-op only, which is a shame, but this is perhaps compensated for by the growing community based around people filming their runs in the game and posting their attempts online. You might not be able to play together online, but you can at least enjoy each other's failures.

Rogue Legacy - Cellar Door Games

While this platformer shares some of its DNA with the classic roguelike, there's a key difference. I mentioned DNA and therein lies the answer. When you die in Rogue Legacy, your children inherit your accrued gold, and resume your adventure anew. Each of your character's offspring develops new traits, keeping the experience fresh as you head off for another adventure.

Tower of Guns - Terrible Posture Games

Tower of Guns was recommended to us with the following description: Binding of Isaac meets Quake. Enough said.

Nuclear Throne - Vlambeer

Nuclear Throne is the next game from the ever prolific Vlambeer. You might not be familiar with the name, and that's because it was recently changed from Wasteland Kings (inXile got in touch and reminded them that they too have a post-apocalyptic IP, and the decision was made to change the title). Players are able to choose from one of several quirky characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and must push through randomly generated levels and fight off giant scorpions and the like. It's just landed on Steam Early Access, so if you want you can see what the fuss is all about for yourself.

99 Levels to Hell - Zaxis Games

99 Levels came to our attention recently, but admittedly it's been out for a few months now. It's currently trying to muscle its way onto Steam via the Green Light, but it's already available on Desura if you can bear to have games that aren't linked to your Steam account running on your PC. This one owes a lot to Spelunky, and while it never quite hits the same highs as that game, it's different enough to warrant a look. Here the emphasis is more on blasting demons, and for shooter fans looking for a little roguelike action, it just might tick enough boxes to warrant a purchase.

Bionic Dues - Arcen Games

Arcen Games' new turn-based roguelike landed earlier this month. This one is mech-flavoured, and puts players in control of four different units and tasks them with saving a city full of people. Players have 50 days/missions to complete, before they're confronted with an army of high-powered enemies. The loot they pick up the various missions beforehand, combined with the strategies learned while battling on the front line, will go along way to dictating whether your run is a success or a failure (hint - it'll probably be a failure). Bionic Dues is a complicated game, and the UI doesn't do it any favours. In fact, all aspects of its presentation are a little on the - how shall I say this - unique side. Still, it's worth your time and effort if you can push past the initial barriers to entry.

Delver - Chad Cuddigan

Delver is a roguelike with a splash of Doom and dollop Minecraft. For some people, that'll be enough right there. The Doom connection comes from moody atmosphere and the first-person perspective, the Minecraft link comes from the blocky visuals; though ultimately it's not really like either of these two games when it's all said and done. Players must push their way down through the game's levels as they search for an amulet, before returning the surface with their prize. There's lots of different environments to be explored en route, and plenty of atmosphere to absorb on the way.

Spacebase DF-9 - Double Fine

This one's fresh out the Steam Early Access gate, and as such we can't really tell you too much about it. The newly announced roguelike from Double Fine features space station building that's being described as a cross between Dwarf Fortress and Dungeon Keeper. Consider us interested.

FTL: Faster Than Light - Subset Games

FTL is probably one of our favourite games of all time, hence why it gets a honourable mention despite being released last year. It ticks a very specific box; you get to be the captain of a spaceship, and you've got a deadly and important mission which involves crossing the galaxy with a fleet of angry rebels in pursuit. Different sectors are randomly generated, and populated with events that are, when activated, delivered via text. Thing get really exciting when you bump into alien enemies whilst on your mission. Combat plays out in real-time (although you can pause while you adjust your tactics), and there's plenty to think about whilst you dance with your opponents. If you've ever fancied being the captain of a spaceship, and you don't mind a bit of text, you owe it to yourself to check this one out.

Also try: Teleglitch, Legend of Dungeon, The Binding of Isaac, and Dungeons of Dredmor. Actually, there's hundreds more to choose from, and many of them merge different genres together for a distinctive take on a relatively well worn formula. Do a little research and there's bound to be a roguelike that'll tick your respective boxes. Just don't blame us when you die.