With Hallowe'en fast approaching, we have compiled a list of our eight favourite PlayStation 4 roguelike dungeon crawlers for all you creeps out there to enjoy in these dark, dark times. So, in no particular order...

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The Binding of Isaac

The Binding of Isaac is a twin-stick shooting dungeon crawler perfect to play on Hallowe'en with its very dark and twisted plot. Isaac lives alone with his mother, and one day she hears a voice which she believes is God telling her to sacrifice Isaac. She draws a knife on him and tries to kill him, but luckily, Isaac manages to escape into their monster-ridden basement. The game tasks you with guiding Isaac safely through this procedurally generated dungeon using his tears to fight off monsters in fast-paced combat in the hopes of finding an exit. The high difficulty, solid gameplay, and the multitude of unlockables make this a game that you'll just keep returning to even after completion.

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Nuclear Throne

Nuclear Throne is also a twin-stick shooter, but here you use the more traditional weapons to defeat your foes: guns. It's set in an apocalyptic nuclear wasteland inhabited by mutated creatures, perfect Hallowe'en territory if you ask us. You take on the role of one of these mutants and progress through the various procedurally generated environments, collecting loot, dodging bullets, and bashing beasts in order to conquer the lands and take control of the Nuclear Throne, it's really quite a blast, especially with a co-op friend in toe. 

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Crypt of the Necrodancer

Crypt of the Necrodancer is a dungeon crawler with a twist: rhythm is required to make any progress. You must time every step, sword swing, and chest opening to the funky, funky beats in order to complete those feats. It's a very unique take on dungeon crawling and should definitely be given a go by all those Monster Mash lovers out there. You know who you are.

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Rogue Legacy

Rogue Legacy is a combination of 2D platforming and simple combat that marries together perfectly. You take on the role of a family of knights who must clear out castle dungeon after castle dungeon, and if one of them should meet their inevitable fate, then they will be replaced with one of their heirs and the process continues. It's a simple but addictive formula and one that will keep you returning again and again without fail. 

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Enter the Gungeon

Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell, twin-stick shooter in which you have to conquer the gungeon, a dungeon where the enemies have designs relating to guns. Some are shotgun shells, some rubber bullets, others empty casings – you get the idea. Each enemy has a alternative way of attacking you; for example, the rubber bullets will fling themselves in your direction bouncing off anything that they happen to hit, whereas shotgun shells will fire a three-burst shot at you. Your ultimate goal is to traverse every level of the gungeon collecting the parts of a bullet that can kill your past as you go, allowing you to rewrite your entire history.     

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Darkest Dungeon

In Darkest Dungeon you take control of a band of unlikely heroes who set out exploring underground dungeons beneath a gothic mansion in a roguelike, turn based RPG. With constant battles against ghastly ghouls, deathly diseases, and ever diminishing supplies everything points towards a deadly fate. Luckily death isn't the end which is brilliant considering the extreme difficulty. You can recruit, train, and level up new band members to replace those that fall in battle.

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Downwell

Downwell is a very unique roguelike that is difficult to put down once you pick it up. As the title suggests it plays vertically rather than horizontally as you work your way down a well, defeating monsters and collecting loot as you go. The only weapons you have are guns attached to your boots, allowing you to fire down on your enemies from above as you fall, and these can of course be upgraded en route. It's a very simple concept, with very easy, fun, fast paced and addictive gameplay that works a treat.

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Spelunky

Spelunky is a classic roguelike and is one that is definitely more co-operative focused, allowing you to bring up to three friends with you to explore a series of randomly generated dungeons in a 2D environment. Looting chests, disarming booby traps, mining resources, defeating monsters, and discovering the unknown depths is always going to be better with a few friends along for the ride. And with the recent announcement of a sequel, this Hallowe'en is the perfect time to jump into this dungeon if you haven't done so already.


Do you plan on scurrying through any of these dingy dungeons this Hallowe'en? Did we miss any of your favourites off our list? Let us know by going rogue in the comments below.