Caves of Lore - A CRPG created by a single dev

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Steam - Caves of Lore

Themes: Turn-based combat, pixel-art, fantasy setting

Features:

  • Hidden secrets and strange powers abound, allowing for a highly customizable party.
  • Vast amounts of loot and treasure constantly increase your power, while dialogue, books and lore are waiting for those who want to be drawn into the world further.
  • Dark themes and ancient horrors don’t keep this game from remaining upbeat and funny, with a story that unfolds in unexpected ways.
  • 6 character capacity party, 65+ spells, 65+ abilities, 65+ traits, 50+ monsters, 40+ NPCs, 30+ quests, and 20+ areas to explore. Hundreds of items and tens of thousands of enchantment combinations make for all manner of powerful items.


    Discovered this while searching for RPGs. Figured I’d share this here for any interested people.
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Game has received another surprise update that adds new game+.

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This is exactly the kind of indie RPG I love finding. A solo developer managing to build a game with this much content, party customization, quests, secrets, and replay value is seriously impressive. The New Game+ update makes it even more tempting since these deeper CRPGs usually get better on a second run when you already understand the systems and lore.

On a different note, while looking for games to play between longer RPG sessions, I recently came across the Chicken Road app. It’s obviously a very different experience, but I liked how easy it is to jump in for a few quick rounds on mobile. The Chicken Road iOS version runs smoothly, and if anyone is looking for something lightweight to play during breaks, the chicken road ios release is worth checking out.

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There’s a couple of other solo-dev projects that I can recommend -

  • Rod of Asclepius - A game where you take control of a healer in Ancient Rome.
  • Archaelund - A unique fantasy title with dual-perspective similar to Pool of Radiance.
  • The Crimson Diamond - A text-parser investigation adventure game.
  • Chronicles of Vaeltaja - A fantasy blobber packed to the brim with features like day/night cycle, dynamic weather system etc.
  • Lurking: Immortui - A free Ultima-inspired CRPG made by one dude.
  • Prometheus Wept - Post-apocalyptic CRPG where a futuristic world ended due to a cyber-attack. The combat system is quite impressive. On top of having several combat options, you can also use your environment to your advantage, like you can push enemies into fire.
  • Titan Outpost - A space sim with RPG elements where you are stationed at a mining post in Titan. There’s a mystery element to the plot. Very interesting stuff.
  • Never Second in Rome - Turn-based game set in Ancient Rome where you’re a centurion in Caesar’s legion.
  • Jeff Vogel’s Geneforge and Avernum - Vogel’s two best game series.
  • Realms of Antiquity - One of the most elaborate open-world CRPGs in recent times.
  • Legends of Amberland - Charming set of fantasy blobbers. Each game is its own story.
  • Brigand:Oaxaca - A fun and janky FPS set in post-apocalyptic Mexico. The C&C and goofiness makes your playthrough worthwhile.
  • Warlordocracy - A really fun and whacky RTwP game similar to Brigand.
  • Knights of the Chalice 2 - The best D&D 3.5e implementation with amazing enemy AI. A remarkable engine that you can use to build custom campaigns. Be sure to play the Hearkenwold mod.
  • SKALD: Against the Black Priory - Dark fantasy CRPG with Lovecraftian themes. Short and sweet adventure. The Lovecraftian themes remain until the end, it’s not just a theme park like most Lovecraftian titles.