Info about ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery):

Official game description:
**ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery)** is one of the most successful roguelike games ever created, boasting a brilliant mix of story, RPG, exploration, and intensely strategic and flexible combat. The Steam version adds various Deluxe features like achievements, difficulty level customization and various play modes (e.g. a story mode allowing to save and restore games, a weekly challenge game, an exploration mode and more). ADOM has been in development since 1994. In 2012 its development was revitalized with an immensely successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, now allowing us to offer ADOM both with ASCII and graphical modes enabling you to choose freely.
ADOM is primarily known for being the first roguelike to include vibrant towns, NPC dialog, and quests, but it offers more than just a rich story line in a complex fantasy world:
*   a huge game world with hundreds of locations such as towns, randomized dungeons, elemental temples, graveyards, ancient ruins, towers and other secrets
*   loads of races (dwarves, drakelings, mist elves, hurthlings, orcs, trolls, ratlings and many others) and even more classes (fighters, elementalists, assassins, chaos knights, duelists and much more) allowing for infinite play styles
*   hundreds of monsters and items, many with enhanced random features
*   a corruption system forcing you to balance lust for power with fear of damnation (corruptions slowly transform you into a vile monster but at the same time grant inhuman benefits - most of the time)
*   spells, prayers, mindcraft, alchemy, crafting and more
*   dozens of quests and branching story lines
*   numerous wildly different endings that might alter reality itself (simply drive Chaos away or slay a god or even become an immortal yourself, and others more)!
*   various game modes (story mode to be able to load and save games, challenge mode to face peculiar weekly challenges, exploration mode for a free wand of wishing and more)
*   various customization options (turning hunger off, turning corruption off, modifying monster difficulty or treasure rates)
ABOUT THE ANCIENT DOMAINS OF MYSTERY
------------------------------------
Deep in the mountainous ranges of the Drakalor Chain, Chaos has broken through into Ancardia and it's up to you to decide the fate of the entire realm. You control a single character with a wildy varying set of skills, talents, spells and other abilities. Customized equipment makes each race/class combination a very different experience. Explore a mostly randomized underworld, fight monsters, loot treasures and uncover the many secrets lurking in the world of Ancardia.
Join a generation of gamers in playing a remastered version of this classic rogue-like!
With an overhaul of the graphics, music, new playable races and classes, over 400 monsters, tens of thousands of items, crafting, magic, religion, corruption, randomized dungeons and so much more, this reimagined version is one of the most in-depth roguelikes on the planet.
So, come join us as we return to Ancardia and choose your fate.
ABOUT ADOM ON STEAM
-------------------
ADOM on Steam takes ADOM gameplay to the next level by introducing the following features (among others):
*   70+ achievements,
*   game customization features (e.g. turning corruption off, increasing treasure rates adjusting monster lethality),
*   ghost creation and exchange between players - be haunted by dead player characters and try to win their treasures,
*   story mode - save and reload your games,
*   exploration mode - use a wand of wishes to discover completely new sides of the game,
*   challenge mode - try to score highest under complex conditions in weekly challenge games,
*   shared and global highscores,
*   point-based character generation,
*   star sign selection,
*   and so much more.
THE FUTURE OF ADOM
------------------
Is ADOM a complete game? Yes, a very complete game. A multitude of endings, varied approaches to game play, thousands of starting combinations and an extensive storyline filled with endless details makes for an extremely satisfying experience that justly positions ADOM as one of the big five foundational roguelike games.
Is ADOM a finished game? No. As long as there is interest in the game we will continue to evolve and enhance it. In this respect ADOM differs from many other games on Steam in the best tradition of roguelike classics: We will continue to add both UI enhancements and new content to the core game in order to make it the most complete RPG ever. Buy once, play forever!

Release date: Nov 16, 2015

Categories: Traditional Roguelike, Turn-based RPG, Procedural Dungeon Exploration, Extensive Character Creation, Permadeath, Multiple Endings

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: The Student - Instructional Data Dependency; summary: Across the filtered reviews, the dominant Wiki Tax complaint is instructional: players report that ADOM's steep learning curve, cryptic mechanics, quest outcomes, storylines, and hidden secrets effectively require constant consultation of the Ancardia Wiki and external guides. No review explicitly cites drop rates, loot tables, farming locations, safe-to-sell decisions, inventory management, crafting requirements, or blueprints. The Korean-language review concerns needing the wiki for item information and scroll scarcity, which per the exclusion rule maps to Tier 3 (Exploration) rather than Tier 1 farming. A notable positive theme is the quality and upkeep of the community wiki, but this reinforces the dependency on external data rather than removing it. Under strict priority scoring, no Tier 1 or Tier 2 keywords appear, while Tier 3 keywords (Quests, Complex Mechanics, Hidden Secrets, learning systems) are pervasive.
- Proton/Linux: score 62; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: Linux and Proton feedback for ADOM is mixed but mostly workaround-dependent. The native Steam Linux build has menu and text rendering defects that require a binary patch or Proton, and some users recommend avoiding the Steam version on Linux. However, other users confirm the game can be made playable with a little tinkering or Proton, so Linux support is not completely broken, just clearly rough around the edges.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The feedback centers on Linux and Proton compatibility rather than direct Steam Deck hardware reports. Users describe unreadable text and menus in the Steam Linux build that require a binary patch or Proton, along with long-running Linux stability bugs. The game is not seamless out of the box, but it is playable after tinkering, so the friction falls in the Tinkering Required range and meets the minimum 40 threshold for Proton-based workarounds.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews repeatedly advise waiting for a sale and buying only at a deep discount, while acknowledging that the game is deep and replayable but has interface issues and a deluxe edition that does not justify a premium. This pushes the fair base-game value below the standard full price and toward a discounted range. For a full-priced Steam strategy title with mixed sentiment and calls for deep discounts, the community fair range is approximately $20-$30.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 500.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 15.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: gameCompletion: One reviewer estimates that a regular player must invest roughly 500 hours to actually beat ADOM, and this is corroborated by another reviewer who logged nearly 400 hours yet only managed two wins, so 500 hours is used as the overall completion (beat-the-game) figure. The 'dozens and dozens' remark reinforces that full completion takes many tens of hours but is vaguer, so the explicit 500-hour calculation is preferred. sessionLength: A reviewer states that a single run that got almost halfway took 14-15 hours, which is the clearest single playthrough length reported and is used as the session/run length. storyCompletion: No quote isolates a separate story-only completion time distinct from beating the game itself, so this is left null. endgame: Reviewers mention ultra endings and repeated normal endings but never attach hour figures to post-win/endgame content, so this is left null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: ADOM most often clicks after players push through a dull, steep early learning curve and spend time getting deeper into its systems; some reviewers report it never hooks them.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After spending more than a couple of hours with the game and getting deeper into it
  - Time to anchor: 2h 0m
  - Friction: Steep learning curve and opaque mechanics; Clunky interface and tedious keyboard controls; Dull early progression and keybind learning; Need for external guides or wiki; High difficulty, permadeath, and random deaths; Early game lacks direction or useful information
  - Unlock drivers: Overcoming the learning curve; Getting deeper into the game; Letting go of the tutorial; Reading guides or wiki
  - Conditions: Tolerance for a steep learning curve; Prior experience with traditional roguelikes; Time investment before the game hooks; Willingness to use external guides or wiki; Tolerance for ASCII, clunky UI, and tedious controls; Getting past the tutorial and early game; Tolerance for RNG-driven deaths
- Player Archetypes:
  - Lifelong Roguelike Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Continuous mastery and comparison — after decades the game still teaches them new things, and every other roguelike is measured against it.
    - Playstyle: Devotes hundreds to thousands of hours across many classes and runs, often on the free classic/ASCII version, treating ADOM as the benchmark for the entire genre.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: NetHack; UMoria; Angband; Dwarf Fortress; Caves of Qud
  - Hardcore Death-Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: The thrill of permadeath and the glory of surviving a brutally difficult, often unfair world.
    - Playstyle: Leaves permadeath on, plays dangerously and accepts constant character deaths as the point of the experience rather than a failure.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: masochist; noob
    - Reference games: Dark Souls
  - Roguelike-Curious Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Wanting to break into deep traditional roguelikes and gradually grow into ADOM's systems without being overwhelmed.
    - Playstyle: Learns slowly, uses guides and the free version first, and may disable permadeath to explore and grind before committing.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: new player
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Dated-Complexity Skeptic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking a streamlined, modern experience and valuing their limited time, price and interface convenience.
    - Playstyle: Short exploratory sessions that are abandoned once rote commands, reading requirements or dated pacing outweigh the fun.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: veteran of roguelikes
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Definitive roguelike classic (weight 0.31): Reviewers consistently describe the game as one of the best and most definitive traditional roguelikes ever made. It is praised as a gem of the genre with classic dungeon-crawling roots.
- Exceptional depth and replayability (weight 0.28): The game offers incredibly deep mechanics, immense variety, and tremendous replay value. Many reviewers consider it among the deepest and most replayable games they have ever played.
- Multiple endings and coherent plot (weight 0.11): The game features a decent story with multiple possible endings. Reviewers note that it manages a coherent plot alongside its gameplay.
- Hundreds of hours of fun (weight 0.07): The game provides many hours of fun and entertainment. Reviewers report hundreds of hours of enjoyment.
- Best RPG in genre (weight 0.06): Some reviewers consider it the best RPG in its genre. It is also described as one of the greatest RPGs ever played.
- Top-notch plot and gameplay (weight 0.06): Reviewers praise both the plot and gameplay as top-notch. The gameplay is described as awesome.
- Excellent music (weight 0.06): The music is frequently praised as excellent and good. It adds to the overall experience.
- Great community (weight 0.06): The community features many pleasant, nice, and helpful people. Reviewers describe the community as great.

Common complaints:
- Poor new player experience (weight 0.95): New players are often overwhelmed by the lack of guidance, unclear mechanics, and hostile design. The tutorial is inadequate, and many essential systems are unexplained, forcing reliance on external resources.
- Extreme difficulty and brutal learning curve (weight 0.85): The game is exceptionally hard and unforgiving, with a steep learning curve that often requires extensive external research (wiki, guides) to make any progress. Many players report dying repeatedly in the early game and finding the experience frustrating.
- Unbalanced and unfair gameplay (weight 0.83): Many design decisions feel unfair, such as monsters leveling infinitely while the player is capped, respawn rates that softlock progress, and random effects that can destroy essential items. Combat is often swingy and reliant on RNG.
- Clunky UI and keyboard controls (weight 0.54): The interface is widely described as clunky and outdated, relying on an extensive set of keyboard commands that are difficult to learn and use. Many actions require multiple key presses, and the lack of mouse support or hotkeys adds to the tedium.
- Tedious and repetitive gameplay (weight 0.41): The game is often described as tedious, with repetitive actions, monotonous level design, and a lack of variety across playthroughs. Many tasks feel like chores, and the overall pace is slow.
- Buggy and broken systems (weight 0.41): Numerous bugs and broken mechanics plague the game, including issues with saving, stuttering, and fullscreen mode. Some bugs have persisted for years, and the developer appears unresponsive.
- Inadequate in-game information (weight 0.41): Crucial information about mechanics, items, and quests is not provided in-game, forcing players to consult wikis and guides constantly. This includes unexplained stats, item effects, and quest restrictions.
- Permanent death and harsh penalties (weight 0.3): Permanent death is a core mechanic, but it is frequently described as too punishing, especially combined with crashes, bugs, and unavoidable deaths. Losing a long-term character feels heartbreaking and discourages experimentation.
- Niche and unrewarding for most (weight 0.29): The game appeals to a very narrow audience, and most players will find it unrewarding, unfun, or too niche. It is often described as a pain simulator rather than an enjoyable game.
- Lack of Chinese language support (weight 0.27): The game does not support Chinese, which is a major barrier for Chinese-speaking players. Additionally, many in-game elements like menus, NPC dialogue, and the manual remain untranslated even in other languages.
- Outdated graphics and visuals (weight 0.25): The visuals are considered outdated and unappealing, with poor animations and inconsistent formatting. The graphical mode can obscure items and is not well received.
- Unresponsive developer and abandoned state (weight 0.24): The developer has been absent for years, leaving critical bugs unfixed and promised features undelivered. The sister game Ultimate ADOM was abandoned, raising concerns about the future of this game.
- Unstable and buggy on Linux/Steam (weight 0.22): The Steam version is extremely buggy with frequent crashes and instability, especially on Linux. Unreadable text and other issues make the game nearly unplayable on that platform; some problems have been known since 2019 and remain unfixed.
- Lack of quality-of-life features (weight 0.17): The game lacks many conveniences found in modern roguelikes, such as auto-explore, search functions, footstep marking, and customizable auto-pickup. This makes the experience more tedious and less accessible.
- Allies and minions are frustrating (weight 0.16): Summoned or recruited allies are difficult to control, often fail to attack, and can stop following you. Managing them requires excessive key presses and is not intuitive.
- Clunky and confusing trading system (weight 0.15): The merchant system is confusing: players cannot figure out how to pay, and sometimes the merchant blocks the door. This is a common source of frustration and requires external help to resolve.
- Spell and tome limitations (weight 0.15): Spellcasting is overly restricted: spells have limited charges in addition to mana, and tomes can disappear when read. Casters can even forget spells, making the magic system frustrating.
- Game crashes cause permanent character loss (weight 0.14): Players report that crashes result in the permanent death of their characters, losing many hours of progress through no fault of their own. This is a critical stability issue that undermines the perma-death experience.
- Not worth the price (weight 0.13): Many reviewers feel the game is not worth its price, especially considering the free version exists and the paid version has additional problems. The Deluxe version's promised features are largely unrealized.

Gameplay feedback:
- Classic Roguelike Identity (weight 0.68): The game is predominantly described as a traditional roguelike with old-school mechanics, turn-based gameplay, and deep character building. It is recognized as one of the major roguelikes with a long heritage dating back to the late 90s.
- High Replayability and Depth (weight 0.58): The game is highly replayable due to randomized dungeons, multiple races and classes, and various endings. It offers a massive roleplaying sandbox with deep mechanics.
- Extensive Character Creation (weight 0.26): Players can create characters with many races, classes, and birthsigns, leading to a wide variety of combinations. Some combinations are easier for beginners while others are for experts.
- Procedural Dungeon Exploration (weight 0.24): Most dungeons are procedurally generated, though they remain static once created. There are multiple key dungeons and an overworld map to explore, with no hand-holding guidance on where to go.
- Multiple Endings and Modes (weight 0.21): The game features multiple endings including a normal ending, and offers different game modes such as story mode and hardcore mode. There is also character and game mode customization to adjust difficulty.
- Skills Improve With Use (weight 0.12): Weapon skills and other abilities grow through repeated use rather than just leveling up. This system increases power and accuracy over time.
- Goal to Destroy Corruption (weight 0.11): The main objective is to find and destroy the source of corruption before chaos transforms people into monsters. This ties into the game's plot and corruption counter.
- ASCII and Graphical Modes (weight 0.11): The game includes both a traditional ASCII mode and a graphical mode, with the Steam version offering graphics and sound. A monster health bar is available.
- Corpse Eating Grants Intrinsics (weight 0.09): Eating monster corpses can satisfy hunger but may also grant intrinsic abilities like poison resistance or teleport control, though some corpses cause negative status effects.
- Altar Sacrifice Mechanics (weight 0.09): Praying on an altar with a monster present can result in the god accepting it as a sacrifice or being displeased, depending on alignment. This can also trigger a sacrifice to a dark deity.
- Complex Quests and Storylines (weight 0.09): The game offers many different quests and complex storylines, adding depth to the role-playing experience.
- Acid and Spellbook Interactions (weight 0.07): Acid bolts can be used as an attack, and acid can melt spellbooks if hit. This adds a layer of environmental interaction.
- Spell Learning and Recharging (weight 0.07): Spells are learned by reading spellbooks repeatedly, with a chance of random effects until the book disappears. Spell charges are restored by re-reading the tome the spell was learned from.
- Monster Respawning in Dungeons (weight 0.07): Mobs respawn in dungeons, and some corridor dungeons have extreme respawn rates. This can make exploration challenging and unpredictable.
- Enemies and Bosses (weight 0.07): The game features a variety of enemies and monstrous bosses that provide challenging encounters.
- Level Caps and Character Progression (weight 0.06): Player level cap is 50, while mobs can level without cap. This creates a different progression dynamic where enemies can become stronger over time.
- Merchant Interaction Issue (weight 0.06): Talking to a merchant offers no option to pay, and giving money to the merchant does not work. This appears to be a bug or missing feature.

Performance notes:
- Crashes and instability (weight 0.19): Multiple reports describe frequent crashes and overall instability, affecting gameplay and progress. Players mention crashes on startup, during play, and on quitting, with some losing progress or characters.
- Linux version severely broken (weight 0.19): The Linux version suffers from numerous issues, including unreadable menus, missing text, and the need for binary patches. A long-standing unfixed issue from 2019 is still present, and the game does not work under Wine.
- Severe performance issues (weight 0.12): Players experience stuttering, lag, and poor optimization, even on systems that should handle the game easily. Stuttering occurs every few seconds, and the game runs poorly despite low-complexity graphics.
- Menu text rendering problems (weight 0.11): Text in menus is often unreadable due to rendering issues, such as colors matching the background or missing glyphs. This is particularly problematic on Linux.
- Game won't launch on Windows (weight 0.1): Some Windows 10 and 11 users report the game fails to start, often resulting in a black screen with only audio. Common troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem.
- Game freezes without input (weight 0.07): The game freezes or stops advancing frames unless the mouse is moved or other input is provided. This can occur mid-attack, making the game unplayable.
- Runs well on MacBook (weight 0.03): One reviewer reported that the game runs smoothly on their MacBook Pro, suggesting platform-specific performance differences.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for roguelike fans (weight 0.23): A large number of reviewers explicitly recommend the game to players who already enjoy traditional roguelikes. Many highlight it as a strong entry for fans of the genre, including those new to roguelikes but interested in real complexity.
- Free version recommended instead (weight 0.22): Several reviewers suggest playing the free version instead of the paid Steam version, stating it loses nothing. Others advise trying the freeware version first, especially for new players.
- Support the developer (weight 0.19): Several reviewers recommend purchasing the game to support the developer, even if a free version exists. This is seen as a way to acknowledge the labor of love.
- Positive generic recommendations (weight 0.18): A few reviewers simply recommend the game without detailed reasons. These are generally positive but lack specific feedback.
- High difficulty appeals to some (weight 0.18): The game is recommended for players seeking a real challenge and those up for a difficult experience. Some compare its difficulty favorably to Dark Souls.
- New players should try free first (weight 0.18): Multiple reviewers strongly advise new players to download and try the free version before purchasing on Steam. This allows them to experience the controls and gameplay without risk.
- Better alternatives exist (weight 0.17): Several reviewers suggest other roguelikes such as Tales of Maj'Eyal, Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup, or Dredmor as more player-friendly or modern alternatives. These are recommended over ADOM for some players.
- Linux version strongly discouraged (weight 0.14): Multiple reviewers warn that Linux users should not buy the Steam version due to serious issues. Some explicitly do not recommend the game on Linux and suggest avoiding the Steam version.
- Recommended for fans of classic roguelikes (weight 0.14): The game is highly recommended for fans of classic roguelikes such as Rogue, NetHack, and Dwarf Fortress. It is seen as a must-play for those who appreciate the genre's history.
- Mixed recommendation with caveats (weight 0.14): Several reviewers give a qualified recommendation, noting that the game is not for everyone and comes with significant caveats. They suggest it only for specific audiences or with warnings.
- Negative generic recommendations (weight 0.13): Some reviewers do not recommend the game, citing various reasons such as price, difficulty, or better alternatives. These are generally negative but lack detailed explanations.
- Deep and complex gameplay praised (weight 0.12): The game is praised for its deep systems, detailed fantasy world, and challenging non-linear dungeons. It appeals to players who enjoy complexity and rewarding exploration.
- Worth buying on discount (weight 0.11): Some reviewers advise buying the game only at a deep discount or a very cheap price, as the free version offers similar content. The Deluxe version is also noted as not adding enough value for its price.
- Old-school mechanics may not age well (weight 0.11): Some reviewers warn that the game's mechanics are very old and did not age well, which can be off-putting for modern players. It is recommended mainly for those who appreciate classic roguelikes.
- Accessible for new roguelike players (weight 0.09): Despite its difficulty, some reviewers consider it a good entry point for new players to roguelikes or turn-based RPGs. The graphical mode, tutorials, and references make it more accessible.
- Use guides and wikis (weight 0.09): Reviewers recommend using external resources like the ADOM Guidebook, wiki, or Discord for help. Reading guides and beginner tips is advised to overcome the learning curve.
- Returning players will enjoy updates (weight 0.09): Reviewers note that returning players will appreciate the facelift, fixes, and new content. However, some warn that those who beat the game decades ago may be disappointed.
- Permadeath can be disabled (weight 0.04): One reviewer suggests disabling permadeath to learn the game first. This allows players to experience more of the game without the harsh penalty of permanent death.
- Polish language support lacking (weight 0.03): One reviewer does not recommend the game due to the lack of Polish language support. This is a specific issue for Polish-speaking players.

Other player notes:
- Free version available (weight 0.22): A completely free version exists on the official website and other platforms, missing only graphics and sound. It serves as a try-before-you-buy option and loses nothing over the paid Steam version.
- Steam release with enhancements (weight 0.16): The Steam version adds graphics, sound, and quality-of-life improvements over the original ASCII release. It also includes new content compared to the last pre-Steam version.
- Long development history (weight 0.12): The game originated as an MS DOS title in 1994 and has been continuously developed since, though not always full-time. It predates many modern roguelikes by decades.
- Favorable comparisons to peers (weight 0.11): Some reviewers find it more fun and identity-rich than Caves of Qud and Tome. Others note it demands foreknowledge unlike fairer roguelikes such as Nethack.
- Decades of dedicated play (weight 0.1): Multiple reviewers have played the game for over ten years, with one noting they started in 1998. This demonstrates exceptional longevity and lasting appeal.
- Creator Thomas Biskup (weight 0.07): Thomas Biskup is consistently credited as the creator and developer of the game. His long-term commitment is recognized by reviewers.
- Substantial content and replayability (weight 0.07): Reviewers highlight the large volume of content and high replay value for the price. It offers a deep experience that justifies the cost.
- Revived via Indiegogo (weight 0.07): The game was successfully revived through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. This allowed development to continue and the Steam version to be created.
- Requires external wiki (weight 0.07): The game often forces players to rely on an external wiki for item information. This lack of in-game documentation is a common criticism.
- No Chinese localization (weight 0.06): The game does not support Chinese, which is a drawback for Chinese-speaking players. This limits accessibility for a significant audience.
- Supporting the developer (weight 0.06): Some players purchased the Steam version specifically to support the developer. This reflects appreciation for his long-term work.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Players are frustrated by a clunky, unreadable interface with archaic controls and opaque mechanics that force constant wiki reference. Severe bugs, crashes, save corruption, and unfair instant deaths destroy progress and make the game feel punishing rather than fun.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): The Steam release is seen as a buggy, unstable mess that performs worse than the free version and fails to modernize systems from the 1990s. Missing promised features, save corruption, poor Linux support, and unrewarding design leave players unsatisfied.
- Appreciation (weight 0.07): Players value the game's immense depth, replayability, and timeless design that remains fun after decades. The dedicated community, developer's long-term passion, and quality-of-life features like tiles and auto-explore are also praised.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Enjoyment comes from discovering deep mechanics, the challenging but rewarding core gameplay, and the vast variety of classes, races, and character builds. Learning from experience and the game's replayability keep players engaged.
- Love (weight 0.05): Long-time players express deep love for ADOM's grand design, depth, and replayability, often after decades of play. It is regarded as a beautiful labor of love and one of the best traditional roguelikes.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Players admire the game's staggering depth, complex systems, and attention to detail, such as commands like 'clean ears' being useful. It is compared to classics like NetHack and Dwarf Fortress for its timeless complexity.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement stems from the Steam release with music and updates, the endless replayability, and the sense of adventure and achievement. The challenge and risk-reward moments also generate enthusiasm.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Satisfaction comes from accessibility improvements, rewarding learning through death messages, and the depth of character customization. Beating the game after years of effort and discovering new tricks provide a strong sense of accomplishment.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement arises from hilarious accidental deaths, such as melting a spellbook with acid or killing yourself with a ricocheting magic missile. The game's humorous tips and quirky elements also entertain.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance is caused by unrefined game elements, artificial difficulty, and unoptimized features like auto-explore and auto-pickup. Infinite monster respawns and lack of developer fixes add to the irritation.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia comes from playing ADOM for decades, often starting in the 1990s on platforms like Amiga. Memories of early playthroughs and the game's enduring presence bring back fond feelings.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is fueled by high-quality community broadcasts, constant improvements, and the game's lasting value. Players look forward to new developments and consider it one of the best games ever.
- Pride (weight 0.02): Pride is felt from long-term fandom since the ASCII days, beating the game after years of effort, or reaching high character levels. These achievements create a strong sense of personal accomplishment.
- Gratitude (weight 0.02): Gratitude is directed at the developer for the Steam release, painted graphics, and decades of support. Players also thank the community and Valve for regional pricing and long-term enjoyment.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom results from monotonous level design, repetitive gameplay, and a low rate of interesting interactions. Long runs feel tedious and unengaging.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction arises after hundreds of hours due to clunky controls, excessive key binding memorization, and dislike of the tileset. The overall experience ultimately leaves players unsatisfied.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion is caused by unclear in-game hints like 'you are doomed!' and unexplained item values such as '+aP'. Lack of Chinese language support and unclear early-game direction also contribute.
- Challenge (weight 0.01): The game is seen as brutally hard, possibly the hardest players have ever experienced. The Steam version is perceived as even harder than the original, especially in areas like the small mountain cave.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike stems from an unreadable menu and a graphical mode that makes loot and items hard to see. Undesirable animations further reduce the experience.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is felt due to lack of Chinese language support and a small Chinese player base. Missing the chance to fund the Indiegogo project also causes regret.}