How's it compare to the modern, Sci-Fi zombie apocalypse roguelike "Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead"?
Both games:
- Are what I'd consider traditional roguelikes
- are hella fun and 150% worth playing. 10/10, would suggest to a friend.
CDDA:
- has significantly more to do, more items, and more overall depth
- Has better "role playability"
- Is incredibly open ended.
- is under heavy development (just had a HUGE update drop. Be sure to check it out!)
- is fully open source
- can be somewhat confusing for a newcomer (though less than something like Nethack)
- Performance can sometimes be rather meh due to the complexity of the models, particularly in locations with many mobs.
- many systems are not yet fully fleshed out (looking at you NPCs) though many issues have been resolved in the latest release and the experimentals.
Cogmind:
- Has arguably some of the best UI/UX you'll find in a rogue like. Take a look at Caves of Qud and TOME as other great examples of proper UI/UX in rogue likes.
- provides a much better tutorial
- has a more fully fleshed out story
- offers a more guided and less open ended experience
- is more "complete".
- excellent performance
- is not open source (to my knowledge)
- is definitely worth the purchase price if you're a rogue like fan.
Cogmind is classless - you always start the game with the same set of items and abilities. Your build is defined by what parts you find or salvage from enemies, as well as certain events that give you permanent upgrades.
The most obvious difference is the combat system: each and every item you equip can be damaged and destroyed. Items also have a 'coverage' statistic which is proportional to how likely the item is to absorb a shot. For instance, armour in Cogmind isn't really special under this system - it's just an item with high health and coverage.
Cogmind is also mostly based on ranged combat, though melee is an option for both you and enemies. Therefore, the tactics you must use are slightly different.
You should definitely give CCDA a look if for no other reason than to oggle at the sheer breadth of the project.
Few notes about CDDA:
CDDA also shares the classless aspect with Cogmind.
All items (including your own limbs) are destroyable.
While it doesn't offer the ability to fully swap body parts (that'd be a great feature suggestion. Hmmm..) it does offer mutations and bionics.
It offers a solid mixture of both melee and ranged combat along with vehicular combat.
All that being said Cogmind was a definite standout title. 10/10 on the UI/UX.