what is a rogue-like game?

Question

I know this might sound dumb, I always hear some Indie games are known as rogue-like games, But I never understood why, can someone explain this genre to me? and what does a game need to be considered rogue-like?

In: 1

Answer 1

The defining main factor for roguelike games is the concept of “runs”. You have 1 chance (1 life, 1 run) to beat the game. Die, you have to try again. However, from your failed runs, you can normally save something (XP, gold etc.) that you can spend on small, permanent upgrades that affect all future runs, making the mission a bit easier. More runs = more permanent upgrade which eventually = beating the game.