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The 21 games in this roundup range from dungeon crawlers and survival roguelikes to strategy simulations, puzzles, and arcade-style action. LinuxLinks published the list in 2017 and last updated it in 2018, so treat it as a discovery guide—not a current compatibility or download directory. For installation, check each project’s own site; Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead and NetHack are examples with current official information.
What “ASCII games” means here
These are games whose visuals can be rendered primarily with text characters, often in a terminal or console interface. That does not mean every title is strictly ASCII-only: some offer graphical options, and the available builds and platforms vary by project. The original LinuxLinks roundup described its selections as ASCII-based games and linked to pages with screenshots, descriptions, feature analysis, and further resources. Its last update was December 10, 2018, so its descriptions are best read as a snapshot of the list’s original appeal.
All 21 games, grouped by what you want to play
The short descriptions below reflect how the 2017 roundup characterized each game; they do not confirm present-day availability, supported systems, or installation steps.
Exploration, roguelikes, and survival
- Ascii Sector: A roguelike take on the space-trading and combat formula of Wing Commander: Privateer.
- Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead: A post-apocalyptic roguelike focused on survival.
- Goblin Hack: A faster, fewer-keys interpretation of NetHack.
- DoomRL: A fast-paced roguelike.
- Brogue: Described as a direct descendant of Rogue.
- Dwarf Fortress: Included in the roundup as an ASCII roguelike.
- DiabloRL: The list called it an “unmake” of Diablo 1.
- NetHack: A dungeon-crawling classic.
- UnNetHack: A variant based on NetHack 3.4.3.
- Angband: Single-player dungeon exploration.
Strategy and simulation
- Curse of War: Fast-paced action strategy.
- Imperium: Intergalactic exploration, warfare, and economics.
- VMS Empire: A full-scale war simulation.
- Empire: A multiplayer client/server war game.
Puzzles and arcade-inspired games
- Intricacy: Competitive puzzle design.
- ASCIIpOrtal: Test chambers built around non-Euclidean spaces.
- XorCurses: A remake of XOR.
- nudoku: Terminal Sudoku.
- MyMan: Pac-Man-inspired play.
- vitetris: A Tetris clone.
- 0verkill: ASCII-art action and deathmatch.
Which game should you try first?
Start with the kind of play you enjoy, then check the project’s current platform and display options. The historical roundup does not establish compatibility for all 21 titles, so do not assume that a game still runs on a particular operating system or is still maintained.
#1 Best Overall
- Kids Friendly Design: This P30S handheld game console is specially designed for kids. It has a stylish arcade - like appearance. The body fits a child's hand, and the game settings also cater to kids psychology, thus being very attractive.
- Excellent Gaming Experience: Equipped with a 3.0 - inch high - definition screen and excellent speaker sound, it provides an excellent visual and auditory experience for video games. This handheld game console is small and lightweight, convenient for kids to use and carry. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing children to fully enjoy the games.
- Rich Collection of Classic Games: This retro handheld game console contains 220 interesting kids video games, including various types such as entertainment, sports, and adventure games, just like those found in many retro game consoles. While playing these games, kids can cultivate skills such as hand - eye coordination, thinking, and problem - solving.
- Convenient Rechargeable and Long - lasting Battery: The video game console is equipped with an 860mAh lithium - ion battery. It ensures that kids can play games without interruption, because there is no need for frequent battery replacement, which is very suitable for playing portable games outdoors. It is a great addition to the world of handheld games for children and can bring more fun to them.
- Absolutely Surprising Gift: Our handheld game toy is a surprising gift for kids, teenagers, and even adults. It is the best gift for birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Our customer support team will serve you wholeheartedly.
| If you want… | Consider | Why it fits the roundup’s description |
|---|---|---|
| Dungeon crawling or roguelike exploration | NetHack, Angband, Brogue, DoomRL | The list describes them in terms of dungeon exploration, roguelike play, or a relationship to Rogue. |
| Survival in a hostile world | Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead | The roundup identifies it as a post-apocalyptic roguelike. |
| Strategy and large-scale simulation | Curse of War, Imperium, VMS Empire, Empire | The descriptions span action strategy, intergalactic economics and warfare, and war simulation. |
| Puzzles | Intricacy, ASCIIpOrtal, XorCurses, nudoku | These are presented as competitive puzzle design, spatial test chambers, an XOR remake, and terminal Sudoku. |
| Arcade-style action | 0verkill, MyMan, vitetris | The list associates them with deathmatch, Pac-Man, and Tetris, respectively. |
Check current downloads before installing
Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead
The official Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead site describes stable and experimental downloads and distinguishes Curses console builds, which use a text display, from Tiles builds, which use sprites. It lists Linux among its supported platforms and points to a release page. Package availability is also documented for Arch Linux, Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora, and Flatpak. Because project downloads and packages can change, follow the project’s current release information rather than relying on an old roundup.
NetHack
The official NetHack site reports version 5.0.0, released May 2, 2026, and includes subsequent 2026 maintenance announcements. This confirms that official release information is available for NetHack; it does not establish the current state of the other games in the roundup.
Rank #2
- 【Portable Dual System&RGBOX Dual Systems & RK3562 Chip Performance】 EmuELEC&RGBOX Dual Systems with Powerful RK3562 Chip: Experience seamless gaming with flexible dual-system support. Powered by the advanced Rockchip RK3562 quad-core Cortex-A53 2.0GHz processor and 2+4GB RAM, this console delivers fast, responsive performance, smooth multitasking, and enhanced capabilities for a wide range of emulators.
- 【4.3-Inch IPS Full HD Display】 4.3-Inch HD IPS Fully Laminated Display: Immerse yourself in crystal-clear visuals on the vibrant 4.3-inch IPS screen with a sharp 1024x768 HD resolution. The fully laminated display and anti-glare finish ensure excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, significantly reducing eye strain for comfortable extended gameplay. Whether playing classic 2D titles or fifth-generation 3D games, every frame is rendered with stunning clarity and detail.
- 【RG43V Pro Compatible with More retro games】NEW Upgrade RG43V Pro handheld game console, 64GB support Supports over 30 game formats, including open-source games and games in related formats, RG43V Pro Supports 2D&5-generation 3D games and ported games, which can be played immediately after addition. RGBOX can also access the RGBOX APP via a WiFi downloader to play over 22,000 classic retro game for a richer gaming experience, Built-in WiFi 6 Supports Dual-Band 2.5G & 5G Wi-Fi enables wireless local multiplayer for head-to-head battles or co-op play with friends – no extra accessories needed.
- 【All-in-One Multi-Function Game Console】 Precise Controls with Dual 3D Joysticks & Immersive Audio: Take command with dual 3D joysticks featuring a confirmation key and responsive mechanical buttons, including Hall linear triggers for precise analog control. The built-in vibration motors provide tactile feedback, while the joystick ambient lights offer 7 customizable color combinations to enhance your gaming atmosphere. Rich, dynamic audio is delivered through the hi-fi BOX cavity speaker or a private 3.5mm headphone jack.
- 【Fast Charging & Expandable Storage】 4000mAh Battery, Expandable Storage & Multiple Output Options: Enjoy up to 8 hours of gameplay on a single charge thanks to the powerful 4000mAh polymer lithium battery, with convenient USB Type-C fast charging. Expand your storage up to 1TB via the TF card slot. Connect to a larger screen with the HDMI output for TV play, or use the TYPE-C port for OTG, charging, and DP output, offering versatile connectivity for any gaming setup.
What the list can—and cannot—tell you
The roundup is useful for discovering different kinds of character-based games and finding names to investigate. It is not a reliable source for present-day downloads, supported operating systems, maintenance status, or whether a title offers a Curses, terminal, or graphical build. Verify those details on the individual project’s official site before installing. For two examples with current official information, start with the Cataclysm DDA and NetHack links above.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【Kids Friendly Design】This retro handheld game console is specially designed for kids, with a stylish arcade-like appearance and a compact body that fits children's hands perfectly. Every game is thoughtfully created for children, bringing nonstop joy and excitement that keeps young gamers fully entertained.
- 【Lots of Classic & Enjoyable Games】As an emulator handheld, this retro device comes with 240 fun kids' video games, including entertainment, sports and adventure types—just like classic retro gaming console handheld. While playing, kids can enhance hand-eye coordination, thinking and problem-solving skills.
- 【Fun Gaming Experience】Equipped with a 3.0-inch high-definition screen and quality speakers, this handheld game console offers an immersive visual and auditory experience. Small, lightweight and ergonomically designed, this hand held game console is easy to hold and carry, letting kids fully enjoy their gaming time.
- 【Rechargeable, Long-Lasting & Ultra-Portable】Powered by an 1200mAh rechargeable lithium battery, this kids' game console supports long hours of fun and uninterrupted play, with no need for frequent battery changes. Lightweight and easy to carry, it's perfect for gaming on the go or playing at home. It's a wonderful little gaming partner that brings endless joy to every child!
- 【Ideal Surprising Gift】This handheld gaming console is a wonderful surprise gift for kids, teens and even adults, perfect for birthdays, Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving. As a popular gaming console, it brings joy to recipients. We prioritize customer satisfaction, with our team ready to serve you wholeheartedly.
Rank #3
- 【Game Console with Linux Stylem】Comes with 64G TF Card Preloaded 5570 Classic Games,Support users to download games in relevant 15 kinds of games formats.
- 【supports 5G WIFI Bluetooth 2.4G Wireless Gamepad and Wired Gamepad Connection】 HDMI and TV output function makes the small screen become big screen in seconds, and the joystick connection supports multiplayer games, so you and your friends can enjoy the game together.
- 【3200 mAh Li-polymer battery and 3.5 INCHES OCA IPS screen】you can use for 6-7 hours, support fast charging with USB Type-C cable, With 3.5-inch IPS full viewing angle, zero distance OCA full-fit screen,the screen resolution is 640*480,Sharper picture quality and more saturated colours.
- 【Chip upgrade】with quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, Quad-core PowerVR SGX544MP GPU,makes have the characteristics of low power consumption and high performance. the Ram of the is LPDDR4 1GB, the larger the RAM running memory, the faster the system response time will be.
- 【Ideal gifts】Dimensions of Handled game :12.8cm*8.1cm *2.2cm,is a good size in the hand and is suitable for carrying aroundis a great gift for boyfriend, husband, brother, son, father and friends for birthday, Father's Day, Christmas, Valentines Day, Thanksgiving Day etc. Get lots of compliments on how it’s interesting or practical.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
