Glittering Light 2

Imagine a turn-based game as alert and dynamic as any action RPG; it just waits for you to move. Imagine a game that takes good old ASCII art and lends it a new dimension — literally. This is Glittering Light 2: a coffeebreak rogue-lite that blends tradition and modernity. A few highlights:

• simple rules that allow for strategy without overwhelming the player;
• controlled with the arrows and three other keys, or the on-screen buttons;
• abstract, surreal premise that doesn't detract from the gameplay;
• colorful, richly decorated levels with a different layout every time;
• played in short bursts; option to replay the same game and get farther.

The game requires a modern web browser, such as Opera 58 or Palemoon 28; also tested on Android 5.1 with the latest FOSS Browser.

As of 7 February 2020, music and sounds aren't yet in.

How to play

You can control the game with the on-screen buttons, or else the keyboard:

• arrow keys or WASD to move;
• spacebar to attack / pick up items / interact;
• Enter to wait a turn;
• Escape to bring up the game menu;
• in the menu, both space and Enter select, while Escape exits.

Walking over items also picks them up.

Hints

Apart from the in-game help, you might want to know a few things:

• The portal is always in the southwest corner of the level; you'll usually spawn somewhere close to it.
• It's best to first explore the area around the portal, but sometimes one last pile of glitter will be all the way in the opposite corner.
• Grace determines how many moves you get versus other denizens of the maze.
• Said denizens become weaker every time you attack them; if they're already right next to you, it's often better to fight than run.
• That said, their attacks also steal your available moves temporarily, and so slow you down.

The game doesn't have a last level; just go as far as you can every time. I can get to level 7 (give or take) on most playthroughs.

Credits

Glittering Light 2 uses the public domain Bedstead font by Ben Harris.