Tales of Maj'Eyal

Tales of Maj'Eyal

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LordTrololo Oct 22, 2017 @ 6:41am
Games like TOME ?
This is what I tried so far;

DCSS - this game seems like I should love it. But it somehow can get my attention the same way TOME can. Maybe it's the small 32bit tileset, maybe its the lack of music adding to the atmosphere, I dont know. But I shall continue to try to get into this game and from all of the games on this list this one is to me the most similar to TOME.

ADOM - this one is a bit too complex for me, its a proper oldschool game where one needs to know a lot of keybard shortcuts and combinations to get the game right. TOME has a much better, easier to get into interface. Also, the randomness of character creation with the star signs is a bit meh. But maybe I should try harder ?

FTL - really nice game although completely differet setup and theme, also this one is not really turn based. Still this game was able to get my attention for a few weeks time at least.

Dungeons of Dreadomr- tried it but this is one of those games which tries to be too funny, I don't know why but this sense if humor repels me. TOME has a great sense of humor, but on a bit higher level (for.example take Masters notes in Dreadfell - a wall of text which fits perfectly) and it adds to the game.

Desktop Dungeons - I loved this game but there is no true "freedom" in this game. Classes and races are all similiar in the end, the is just Maths and all dungeons are the same.

Sword of the Stars the Pit - I played this game for a while, it seems to be a good game but the complexity of the crafitng and recipe system is a big thumbs down. The user interface is a bit meh.


When I was younger I played Civ3 and HOMM3 through nights and days. That games had that "one more turn" vibe, with a simple and easy to get into GUI, but a deep gameplay behind. Today TOME is like that for me.

Is there something else which maybe comes close to the greatness of TOME ?
Last edited by LordTrololo; Oct 22, 2017 @ 8:27am
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Showing 1-15 of 28 comments
Luh Wyte Nazgul Oct 22, 2017 @ 7:41am 
well adom just got a new update or a beta or something I just started playing a few days ago and it's epic but you're right the keybinds are an abomination

it took me like 2 or so days getting used to them and now I don't mind them. it's really fun so far

DoD humor is bad. All meme humor shouldn't be in fantasy games and the smashmouth song lore in ToME needs to be removed!

they don't come close to ToME but you could try dungeonmans (which also has meme humor) but it was pretty fun the few times I played it or Tangledeep
i_nive Oct 22, 2017 @ 8:06am 
Originally posted by Iko:
<snip>
When I was younger I played Civ3 and HOMM3 through nights and days. That games had that "one more turn" vibe, with a simple and easy to get into GUI, but a deep gameplay behind. Today TOME is like that for me.
Then perhaps give "Age of Wonders", "Dominions", "Eador" or "King's Bounty" universes a try?
(These are HOMM-ish(bar "Dominions"), with a touch of greatness(IMHO))

(For the record: I'm playing GoG's TOME)
DFuxa Oct 22, 2017 @ 8:15am 
DFuxa's Big List of Steam Rogue-likes

A while back I went through the Rogue-likes lists on Steam and made the list above, breaking down games into different 'subsets'. Of these games, none 'really' compare to ToME - ToME is literally just that distinct.

However, I'll second Dungeonmans as something to check out. While I will note that it didn't hook me - and then there is the aspect that you can 'farm' for legacy stuff in future runs, it does have some interesting mechanics going for it.

Caves of Qud sometimes gets a mention as a notable Rogue-like to consider trying if you are a fan of the genre. In recommendation it gets more recommendation then even ToME - though ToME is free and usually the recommendation is to consider 'which to buy'.

Outside of Steam games I figure I should also throw a mention for Brogue. That's a free rogue-like with ASCII graphics - and I want a throw a note here, it is probably one of the 'few' rogue-likes with ASCII graphics that is worth trying if you 'hate' ASCII graphics.
Last edited by DFuxa; Oct 22, 2017 @ 8:15am
LordTrololo Oct 22, 2017 @ 8:21am 
Originally posted by always silent 161:
well adom just got a new update or a beta or something I just started playing a few days ago and it's epic but you're right the keybinds are an abomination

it took me like 2 or so days getting used to them and now I don't mind them. it's really fun so far

DoD humor is bad. All meme humor shouldn't be in fantasy games and the smashmouth song lore in ToME needs to be removed!

they don't come close to ToME but you could try dungeonmans (which also has meme humor) but it was pretty fun the few times I played it or Tangledeep
Yes, I've been reading about that update just now. I have the free ADOM version and I just can't cope with the UI. I'l wait till this update is finished and then if reviews are ok I might get the game on some sale.

Originally posted by i_nive:
Originally posted by Iko:
<snip>
When I was younger I played Civ3 and HOMM3 through nights and days. That games had that "one more turn" vibe, with a simple and easy to get into GUI, but a deep gameplay behind. Today TOME is like that for me.
Then perhaps give "Age of Wonders", "Dominions", "Eador" or "King's Bounty" universes a try?
(These are HOMM-ish(bar "Dominions"), with a touch of greatness(IMHO))

(For the record: I'm playing GoG's TOME)
Dominions is good game, but it's a bit on the complex side. Conquest of elysium is more akin to TOME, simpler, faster and no need to micromanage every army before battles like in Dominions.

Dominions is great but you must micro a lot especially late game, with TOME you have one guy the entire game. Age of Wonders is a great game, but its more like a traditional TBS. I mean I like those kind of games but right now I'm looking maybe something more in the line of rougelikes.

Your tips are good and those are games which I like, but most of them I already have and they are more traditional 4x strategies.
Last edited by LordTrololo; Oct 22, 2017 @ 8:27am
rwlyraa Oct 23, 2017 @ 6:27pm 
Dungeonmans is closest to ToME4 when it comes to roguelikes but it's probably not as deep.

Dragon Age: Origins (the first one) also has great similarities, most of the early Berserker, Rogue, Archer and Archmage skills, weapon stat scaling and 4-talent categories are taken directly from there.
Last edited by rwlyraa; Oct 23, 2017 @ 6:28pm
Snippy The Rat Oct 24, 2017 @ 9:26am 
Aside from what was already said, DoomRL is a favorite of mine, and its free.
boozermonkey Oct 24, 2017 @ 10:03pm 
Dominions 4 is awesome. I have about 1k hours sunk into it and love it. Its 4x strategy though, so not sure if that is up your alley.
CoalWhite Oct 25, 2017 @ 12:00pm 
Originally posted by Iko:
This is what I tried so far;

Is there something else which maybe comes close to the greatness of TOME ?



Not much, but a roguelike with beautiful graphics and superb music: Tangledeep. Also, Low Magic Age is interesting and Catacomb Kids (not take turn).
Articuno [#1] Oct 26, 2017 @ 9:55am 
There's really no Roguelike that is totally similar to Tome. Diablo 2 HC is the game that feels the closest to me.
SirCabbage Oct 27, 2017 @ 2:23pm 
Dungeonmans, Tangledeep,
-V- Oct 28, 2017 @ 1:18am 
Wyvern (it's free)
I assume by "games like ToME" you mean roguelikes (although it's debatable to call ToME a roguelike because of the combat system and minimal micromanagement of items outside of equipment).

I do suggest giving DC:SS and ADOM another chance. They're very popular for a reason (although ADOM doesn't have good tactical combat like ToME and focuses a lot more on items/equipment/character attributes)

A roguelike I'm fond of is called WazHack. It has a lot of similarities to nethack but has rudimentary 3d graphics. Could be frustrating though as it's pretty difficult especially if you're new to roguelike games.

Tangledeep has roguelike elements and draws heavy inspiration from 16-bit era JRPG's. If it sounds interesting to you it should be an easy sell as the developer is -very- active.

Unexplored is a really good one but not necessarily in the same vein as ToME. Runs are relatively short (maybe a few hours each max?) but they're very dynamic. Has randomly generated floors but they tend to be actually interesting. It isn't turn based though but has a simple (but IMO fun and engaging) combat system.

I know this wasn't really in line with what you were specifically asking but hope I helped you find your fix, lol
Mivo Oct 30, 2017 @ 2:47am 
Originally posted by lordvahk97:
Tangledeep has roguelike elements and draws heavy inspiration from 16-bit era JRPG's. If it sounds interesting to you it should be an easy sell as the developer is -very- active.

It's definitely a fun, very accessible game. Not as complex as other titles, but it's enjoyable. There's an update every other day, too. :)
Originally posted by Mivo:
Originally posted by lordvahk97:
Tangledeep has roguelike elements and draws heavy inspiration from 16-bit era JRPG's. If it sounds interesting to you it should be an easy sell as the developer is -very- active.

It's definitely a fun, very accessible game. Not as complex as other titles, but it's enjoyable. There's an update every other day, too. :)

I've heard they expanded the end-game a lot (and recently added item nightmares) so that helps with depth a bit. I mean, the update schedule of that game is crazy good. If they keep it up it might be a serious contender with stuff like ToME given time.
khachik2003 Oct 31, 2017 @ 12:20am 
There's nothing quite like Tales, it has a special charm that other games cannot replicate. There is a reason it's the best roguelike on the market. I also love Desktop Dungeons and found Tales through that game but like you said, they scratch a different itch
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Date Posted: Oct 22, 2017 @ 6:41am
Posts: 28