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■ Dungeons & Dragons
Just to give you an idea, the first RPG (Role Playing Game) that I can remember playing was Bard’s Tale II and Bards Tale III. Back in those days, there were no automapping. I had to buy gridpapers and drew my own maps. When I graduated to Dungeon and Dragons, Wizardry, Might and Magic III (and its World of Xeen), I was hooked on these games. So, I’ve always had a great fondness for that type of game, and incredibly delighted to find out that these games are still being developed today.

Underkeep (2026)

I have just completed the demo of Underkeep, the forthcoming dungeon crawler game from Rake in the Grass. The game style is familiar to anyone who previously played party-based dungeon crawlers, and I love it!

So, what is interesting is that I am a big fan of Rake in the Grass’ original phone game Undercroft, which I purchased in 2010. The game is no longer available (I can’t even re-download the game I own!), because they sold the game and its assets to Jagex. However, I guess they made an arrangement that they can offer a free download to the game, but on PC only. You can download the game at rakeingrass.com.

As for Underkeep, at least from the demo, is very much like Undercroft Part Two, or something. Although the graphics looks pixelated and retro, it is, at least, it runs in HD and is very colorful. You’re still limited to a four-player group, and my go-to style is to always have one fighter, one healer, and one mage. The four is usually a thief, but for Underkeep, it looks like the archer is the replacement class (for their high dexterity). There are other classes available, such as the summoner class, but I haven’t tried them.

A recent update from the developer lists that the popular Paladin class will be included in the final game. And more variety in your party. No words on ultrawide screen… but they said widescreen is being worked on.

The demo isn’t very long. I think I found all the secrets, and completed it in about 20 minutes. I did have to carry dead party members back to the resurrection statue and pay 2 gold to bring them back. From what I’ve experience, it’s a lot of fun. I love Undercroft, so I’ll probably really love Underkeep. I can’t wait for the game to be release.

Undercroft (2005)

Originally the game was created and developed in 2005, but I didn’t come across the game until it was on the Apple’s App store in 2010. I believe I paid $0.99 for it. I think there is a free version with advertisements. It’s been a long time since I played (and beat) the game, I don’t think it took that long to beat, despite advertised as a 20-hour game.

Replaying the game on Windows a very high-resolution screen and it becomes apparent that the game was never meant to be run on anything other than an old phone screen. Everything can be accessible through clicks and swipes on the screen… which is difficult to navigate with a full keyboard and mouse. I didn’t bother to see if it has controller support – it probably doesn’t. Maybe it’s better to be played on a handheld, like my Legion Go or ROG Ally.

I’m probably not going to re-play the game on Windows, but maybe some time to time I can load it up and tap around while doing other things. It is a very tiny screen. It doesn’t support fullscreen either, if you press Alt-Enter, it still looks tiny.

Game Features:

■ 20 hours of gameplay with great replay value!
■ A party of heroes – because the whole is more than a sum of its parts! Enjoy building of unique specialised classes that do not blend. Combine their powers to overcome their weaknesses and make them a horde to remember!
■ Intricate plot with dozens of quests and plenty sidequests to gather extra experience!
■ Unique turn-based combat system suitable for well thought out strategic moves as well as for fast fluent attacks!
■ 5 hero classes with great variety of skills and spells for unique development!
■ More than 750 items and 60 enemies!
■ Sophisticated interface with all the extensive functionality quickly on hand!
■ Many environments ranging from fiery pits and dark underground to forests, snowy mountains and large city!