PC Critic Reviews

Into the Restless Ruins effortlessly combines dungeon building and dungeon crawling into a Roguelike package that I couldn't put down.

Filled with Scottish folklore and just begging you to replay at any opportunity, Into the Restless Ruins is a game that you will keep returning to, even if it is to beat your very own high score. I would recommend this to beginners and veterans of the genre alike.

The key to any great roguelike is capturing that “just one more run” feeling, and Into the Restless Ruins nails it right on the head. A successful run feels great, and a failed run only pushes you to dive back in and do better. I’m almost glad there’s no mobile port, as my productivity would be in some serious danger. It’s a genuine indie gem that should be in the library of any avid roguelike fan.

Into the Restless Ruins stands out for the way it guides the adventure, placing the responsibility on the player to forge their own path through the dungeons. Strategically planning the optimal route is an enjoyable challenge and showcases an idea with strong potential for further development in future titles. Unfortunately, the combat system falls short due to its lack of originality, which detracts somewhat from the overall experience. Still, despite its shortcomings, the game remains inventive and is a great recommendation for those looking for something different.

Into the Restless Ruins actually offers something new and fresh that helps enrich the beloved rougelike genre. Although it borrows liberally from other rougelike giants, Ant Workshop has really borrowed from the right places and created something unique that is very addictive and offers an insane amount of replay value.

I personally enjoy the combination of mechanics it’s putting together, but the reliance on RNG and the resulting soft gating to success has left a sour taste in my mouth. Diehard roguelike fans may enjoy the challenge of dungeon memorization and slow progression, but I wouldn’t recommend it to casual roguelike fans, or those new to the genre.