>>714818318 >Permadeath is necessary
No, it's not.
The only necessary elements are: >top-down perspective >grid-based map >simultaneous turn-based gameplay >use of procedural generation on levels
Everything else that you think is "necessary " is actually optional.
>>714817858
It doesn't but it's effect on the game design of roguelikes is important. Even if a roguelike doesn't have permadeath in its primary mode it should offer it as an option and be balanced as if it were in the primary mode.
>>714816217 (OP)
I haven't played crawl in years, but back then we would always joke that each update removes a new feature. What's the game like right now?