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Caves of Lore

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2023

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Quick resume

I created Caves of Lore because of my deep love for RPGs. This project took me 6 years to make and I learned a lot about coding, art, and storytelling. If you reach the end then be sure to let me know! Caves has deep combat, classic-styled pixel art, and (of course) LORE! 📖

Global score

93/100

Genres

Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Pros

  • Deep exploration and secrets
  • Rich character customization and progression
  • Engaging tactical turn-based combat
  • Immersive fantasy lore and story
  • Active and responsive solo developer

Cons

  • Ui can be clunky and unintuitive
  • Some combat encounters feel repetitive
  • Lack of multiplayer or social features
  • Some mechanics under-explained or obscure
  • Occasional bugs and technical rough edges

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to customize characters, choose party members, and explore the world non-linearly with minimal hand-holding."

  • Competence
    4

    "Combat and skill systems provide meaningful challenges and progression; players improve skills through use and face tactical turn-based battles."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on solo play and personal progress without competitive or ranked multiplayer elements."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report long playtimes (30-60+ hours), deep exploration, and habitual engagement with secrets and character builds."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Party-based gameplay is single-player focused with no multiplayer cooperation; interactions are with NPCs and companions."

  • Creativity
    4

    "High customization in character builds, spells, and equipment; players experiment with abilities and party composition."

  • Domination
    -4

    "No evidence of player dominance over others; interactions are balanced and respectful within single-player context."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players enjoy immersive exploration, lore, and fantasy world to escape real life; nostalgic and absorbing experience."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Engagement driven by intrinsic interest and passion for classic CRPGs, not obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players try various character builds, spells, and strategies; exploration and puzzle solving encourage experimentation."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Game heavily emphasizes discovering secrets, hidden areas, and lore; exploration is a core motivation."

  • Expression
    3

    "Character customization and party composition allow for self-expression, though graphical customization is limited."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy setting with magic, mythical creatures, and imaginative lore."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Social interaction limited to NPCs and companions; no multiplayer or community integration."

  • Growth
    5

    "Skill and spell progression through use, character development, and learning new abilities provide strong growth motivation."

  • Health
    -4

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during combat and exploration; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited to surface-level interactions with NPCs and companions; no deep social or emotional connections."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players manage and lead a party of characters, making strategic decisions and directing actions."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on leveling up, acquiring items, and unlocking new spells and abilities."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find exploration and lore relaxing, though combat can be challenging and occasionally tedious."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable pixel art, music, and sound design provide sensory pleasure, though graphics are retro and understated."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social status or recognition systems; achievements and progress are personal and offline."

  • Story
    4

    "Engaging narrative with lore, character interactions, and unfolding plot; story is a key motivation."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Tactical turn-based combat and puzzle solving require planning and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and challenge in combat and exploration, but overall controlled and measured gameplay."

  • Value
    5

    "Players report excellent value for price with many hours of content and active developer support."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves tactical fighting and defeating enemies, but not gratuitous or chaotic violence."

  • Survival
    2

    "Combat and resource management present moderate survival challenges, though not extreme or constant threat."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026