I have discovered a bizarre interest (for me). Apparently I love old-school turn-based dungeon crawlers. The ones that are all about stat juggling, inventory management, and looking for secret walls like it's DOOM all over again.

I want more! I have a PS3, a DS, and a PC. Any advice?

(And yes, I realize Orcs & Elves is a simplistic version, and a port of some sort of handheld device's game, but the idea is still awesome - I love thinking out each move and exploring the dungeon and poring over the little in-game map to spot possible secret walls!)

I liked Dungeon Hack a lot. It might be a bit difficult to find outside of Abandonware sites, though. I have it on a disc of old D&D games (Gold Box era mostly, though a couple beyond that time period too).

Edit: I think that's what you're looking for at least. I never played Orcs & Elves.

Eye of the Beholder (trilogy) - the game why I joined GOG and still waiting for.
From current GOG catalogue I recommend Lands of Lore.
And still waiting for release of Legend of Grimrock.

If you'd like to drop 3D view then Dungeons of Dredmor - its on Humble Bundle atm.

Dangit, the website ate my post again. Orcs & Elves is one of those first-person type things where you never see your character and you just click that you want to attack, cast magic, or what have you, and taking a potion costs a turn so it's a tactical decision. That sort of thing. I know I've seen games like that on GOG, but I can't remember what they are and I know nothing about the genre, since I've always been more of an action-RPG kind of guy. I own Dungeons of Dredmor and haven't been able to play more than five minutes or so without dying. I thought it was a roguelike? I fail at roguelikes.

And Dungeon Hack is that sort of thing. Its a kind of "sequel" for Eye of the Beholder but it has no side quests / big stories inside at all - just going down and fighting. And only one hero - dungeons are randoms every time you start.Yes, its roguelike - but Orcs and Elves is roguelike too just with 3D view :)

Dungeon Hack is a bit more 'real-time' in that if you stand around, monsters will move and attack, so there is a bit more of a frantic pace to it. Other than that it sounds a lot like what you're looking for.

The DS has some very good first person dungeon crawlers.

The Etrian Odyssey series, Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey, and The Dark Spire. Great titles. Hard as hell, too.

I've heard of the Dark Spire, been looking for a copy since I bought my DS. I could just order it online, but that would take away the thrill of the hunt -.-

Thanks for the tips, guys! I guess there's nothing on GOG like this, then?

Orcs & Elves was produced by id Software, not sure if their other RPGs are on the DS.


Anyways you could try these I guess.

http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/lands_of_lore_1_2
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/might_and_magic_6_limited_edition
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/might_and_magic_7_for_blood_and_honor
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/might_and_magic_8_day_of_the_destroyer
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/might_and_magic_9
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/stonekeep
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/ultima_underworld_1_2

Lands of Lore 1, the first 5 Might and Magics (and the later ones to a certain extent) and the Ishar collection all come reasonably close to what you want, out of what I've played on GOG. They do include overworlds as well, so technically they're not straight dungeon crawlers, and keep in mind most of them are ridiculously old school. But they can be very fun with a good guide to teach you how to play.

Dungeon Craft is a slightly modernized port of Forgetton Realms Unlimited Adventures, which was an engine that runs fan made modules designed in the style of the old SSI Gold Box dungeon crawlers. It's free, and there's a few gems players have made for it.

I'll also second Etrian Odyssey for the DS. It's kind of a Japanese take on the genre, but still very fun. And The Dark Spire is also very good from what I've heard.

EDIT: Stonekeep and Ultima Underworld, as well as M&M 6-9 are all very close to what you're describing too, but they are real time (M&M allow you to pause, not sure about the others). Still worth considering.

Awesome! You guys are the best! (and sorry I missed the earlier post about Lands of Lore, didn't realize multiple people had responded). I will do some digging when I'm done with my homework and look into all these!

Just a tip, but I don't think Dark Spire was produced in any great numbers so if you know where to get it, online or otherwise, grab it now. :P

Orcs & Elves, looks like a cool game for the DS I might have to pick that one up. Never really played a lot of turn base games.