adaliabooks: It's funny, I wouldn't dream of playing SMB because of the difficulty level, but I adore roguelikes. I think the randomness and the (usually) large choice of classes makes them pretty much my ideal game, it's like a different game every time you play.

I'd recommend FTL as an intro to roguelikes, it's kind of got the whole experience in sort of bite sized form (ie it's actually possible to win the game, and to do so in one sitting)

But ADOM will always be my favourite, and up there as one of my favourite games of all time. It's a gem of a game. It manages to cram some realistic elements into it; your stats improve through use, as do your skills and weapon skills, it's got hunger but it's not too irritating. Plus although largely random it's got a fixed overworld and certain other fixed areas that are part of quests, so it's got a bit of a story and a goal to reach for too.