Narration Room: Cardinal Quest 2 (turned-based RPG)

Cardinal Quest 2 by randomnine is a turned-based rogue-like RPG where the player controls a character on a quest to beat up the big baddie. Each game is short, typically lasting around 30 to 60 minutes, with the player creating a new character and playing him or her till the completion of the game (or failure). After the game (win or lose), the player is awarded Fame, which is used to unlock more starting options for the player's character.

A typical game in progress.

At the start of the game, the player selects an Act (out of the three available), a character (out of six), a Perk and starting Gear. Characters, Perks and Gear have to be unlocked with Fame earned from completing games. Perks can change the character's stats and affect gameplay style. For example, a particular Perk would make the Wizard more suited for melee combat.

Before the start of a game.

Once ready, the newly created character is then sent off on an adventure. The game is divided into 7 or 9 maps, depending on the Act. In each map, the player has to find the exit to advance to the next. The game is won by defeating the big baddie in the last map.

There is a simple story told by a short introduction at the start of certain maps. The introduction is different for each character.

During the game, the player may defeat baddies for experience and loot. Experience levels the player. Loot gives the player equipment and gold. Gold may be used to purchase items from wandering vendors. Another reason to gather gold is for Fame - at the end of the game, Fame is awarded partly based on the gold in hand.

Each character has a different area introduction.

With enough experience the character levels up (obviously) and gains a skill point to invest in skills. Due to the length of the game, the number of levels that may be gained is limited, which also limits the number of skill points. In addition, there are certain skill restrictions, where the selection of one would prevent the use of the other. These factors require the customization of a character such that the same character may have different strategies available.

The character and the available skills.

The game is difficult, even on Normal difficulty. A misstep could easily get the player's character killed. Each character starts with an Ankh, which resurrects the character once. This allows for one fatal mistake. Playing experience is necessary to recognize danger and judgement is required to decide if it is better to run or stay and fight (and get the reward). In addition, some creativity is needed in the use of the available skills and items to defeat tough baddies.

The game ends when the big baddie at the end of the Act is beaten or the player's character is defeated. After that, a new character has to be created for a new game, where a different character may be selected or a different strategy may be used for the same character.

There is a Heroic Record to note past completed games, whether won or lost. With the Heroic Record, old characters are not forgotten and their exploits (and blunders) are remembered.

There are achievements in the game to complete. Many of the achievements require playing with a certain character in a certain way. These achievements provided additional challenges for the player to aim for.

Interestingly, the achievements are grouped by Challenge Ranks. In order to achieve a Rank, the player must complete two of the four achievements in that Rank and achieve all previous Ranks. Completing all four achievements would Star that Rank.

Achievements are divided into Ranks.

Cardinal Quest 2 is a rogue-like RPG. Each game with a new character is short and not too time consuming. Because each game is short, it is easy to try out different characters and different playing styles.

The following are more screenshots from the game: