Shiren: The The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate is the fifth installment of this mystery dungeon series where permadeath is just 2nd nature to serious dungeon delvers.

In the game, you play as the mysterious wanderer who one day comes to a village where the resident kind lady is dying due to a mysterious illness and you decide to venture forth to the tower of fortune to help her fiancee obtain all die of fate and change destiny itself.

Each dungeon floor is randomly generated, the monsters are the same but the layout is not. Making this a roguelike game.
If you lose and get taken out, you lose your items and your money, having to restart all over again back in town, defeated but wiser.

but all is not lost, if you manage to bring back items, through an escape scroll or an Undo grass, you can prepare for the next run. Fuse two weapons you've found using synthesis to make them stronger and be able to use both their special traits, grab that sanctuary scroll you found and use it in a pinch so enemies can't harm you, bring that revival grass just in case things go sideways.

The game is relatively short, you can finish the main storyline in a few days, the real challenge comes after.
The achievements require you to beat very tough dungeons which do not allow to bring any outside help, so no items, no allies, no money, just the tricks to outsmart enemies you have picked up along the way.

Took me around a month and a half to 100% this one, getting 99 million monies was a very long grind.

Shiren 5 will be a fun time to those who enjoy games where enemies move only when you move requiring you to plan ahead one or three steps ahead and give you time to do it, the grind is horrible but only true completionists will have to suffer through it, 100% completion is not for the casual gamer.

I award the game 45 times I accidentally threw my pot full of talismans at an enemy instead of grabbing one to use it out of 60 deaths caused by getting confused, enraged, striking a shopkeeper by mistake, losing my shield due to an enemy parrying it away from me and crying because a monster turned my only Undo Grass into an Onigiri making me despair as I had to accept that I had to either die and lose everything ot get to floor 99 and clear the dumb dungeon.

Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate is a standout entry in the roguelike genre that combines classic dungeon-crawling mechanics with a uniquely charming Japanese aesthetic and a deep, strategic gameplay loop. Developed by Spike Chunsoft, this game continues the legacy of the Shiren the Wanderer series, offering both longtime fans and newcomers an experience that is challenging, rewarding, and rich in content. Its blend of procedural generation, turn-based combat, and exploration is presented through beautifully crafted pixel art and a thoughtful narrative, making it a must-play for those who appreciate carefully designed roguelikes with a distinct personality.

The core gameplay revolves around exploring the titular Tower of Fortune, a sprawling dungeon filled with traps, enemies, and treasure. Each floor is procedurally generated, meaning no two runs are the same, and players must adapt their strategies on the fly. This unpredictability is a hallmark of the game, ensuring high replayability and a constant sense of tension. The turn-based combat system is intuitive but layered with complexity. Every action—whether it’s moving, attacking, using items, or setting traps—consumes a turn, forcing players to think several steps ahead. The game’s difficulty is notably steep, demanding careful resource management, precise positioning, and tactical decision-making, which makes every successful descent feel earned and satisfying.

One of the most striking aspects of Shiren the Wanderer is its unique blend of traditional roguelike elements with innovative features like the dice mechanic. Dice rolls influence many in-game events, adding an element of chance that can either aid or hinder progress. This randomness complements the procedural nature of the dungeons, creating a delicate balance between luck and skill. Players must constantly evaluate risk and reward, deciding when to push forward aggressively or retreat and regroup. The inclusion of this mechanic adds a fresh layer of unpredictability without making the game feel unfair or overly reliant on chance.

Visually, the game is a feast for fans of retro aesthetics. The pixel art is finely detailed, with vibrant colors and smooth animations that bring the characters and environments to life. The design of enemies, items, and dungeon floors reflects a distinct Japanese influence, blending traditional folklore with fantasy elements. The atmospheric soundtrack enhances the experience, with serene melodies during exploration and tense, dramatic tunes during battles, creating an immersive mood that draws players deeper into the world. Sound effects are crisp and purposeful, giving satisfying feedback for actions and adding to the tactile feel of the game’s combat and movement.

Narratively, Shiren the Wanderer weaves a subtle but engaging story that unfolds as players progress. The protagonist, Shiren, is a wandering ronin whose motivations and background are revealed through encounters and environmental storytelling. While the plot is not the central focus, the game’s world-building and character interactions enrich the overall experience, providing context and emotional weight to the otherwise procedural adventure. This narrative approach respects the player’s imagination and encourages curiosity, inviting exploration not just of the dungeon but of the lore surrounding it.

The game’s quality-of-life features have been thoughtfully implemented to support both newcomers and veterans. Checkpoints and save systems strike a balance between challenge and fairness, preventing frustration while maintaining tension. The interface is clean and accessible, allowing for quick inventory management and skill usage even in the heat of battle. Tutorials and in-game tips help ease players into the game’s mechanics without hand-holding, respecting the roguelike tradition of discovery and experimentation. Moreover, the Definitive Edition includes additional content, balancing tweaks, and expansions that enhance the core game, making it the definitive version for players seeking the full experience.

Multiplayer and community features add further value. The game supports asynchronous multiplayer elements, such as sending dungeons or challenges to friends, which fosters a sense of camaraderie and competition. These features extend replayability and encourage players to engage with the game beyond their solo runs. Additionally, the game has a dedicated fanbase that contributes to discussions, strategy sharing, and fan content, creating a vibrant community around a niche but beloved title.

While Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate excels in many areas, it may not be for everyone. Its difficulty and reliance on procedural generation can be intimidating or frustrating for players accustomed to more forgiving or narrative-driven RPGs. The pacing can feel slow during longer dungeon runs, and the emphasis on trial-and-error gameplay requires patience and a willingness to embrace failure as part of the experience. However, for players who appreciate meticulous design, strategic depth, and the satisfaction of overcoming tough challenges, these aspects become strengths rather than drawbacks.

In conclusion, Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate is a masterful roguelike that combines classic gameplay with innovative mechanics and a distinctive aesthetic. It offers a rich, challenging, and endlessly replayable adventure that rewards thoughtful play and perseverance. Its blend of chance and strategy, combined with a captivating atmosphere and refined systems, ensures that it stands out in the crowded roguelike landscape. Whether you are a veteran of the genre or a curious newcomer looking for a deep and rewarding dungeon crawler, Shiren the Wanderer delivers an experience that is both timeless and refreshingly unique.

Rating: 7/10