When comparing Cardinal Quest 2 vs Angband Variants, the Slant community recommends Cardinal Quest 2 for most people. In the question“What are the best roguelikes on Android?” Cardinal Quest 2 is ranked 6th while Angband Variants is ranked 25th. The most important reason people chose Cardinal Quest 2 is:
Often you will see paid character classes or currency in mobile games. Luckily in Cardinal Quest 2, the currency is earned by successful or failed runs, and even the paid character class can be earned through a boss fight mechanic, making it something to work towards. This way everything in the game can be earned just by playing, and not spending money. The purchasable content is there for those that would just like to unlock things faster.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Nothing is locked behind a paywall, you are free to play as you like without worry of being coerced into spending money
Often you will see paid character classes or currency in mobile games. Luckily in Cardinal Quest 2, the currency is earned by successful or failed runs, and even the paid character class can be earned through a boss fight mechanic, making it something to work towards. This way everything in the game can be earned just by playing, and not spending money. The purchasable content is there for those that would just like to unlock things faster.
Pro A good choice of character classes allows for a mix of different strategies in the gameplay
There are six character classes that are available to use; paladin, ranger, pugilist, fighter, wizard, and thief. Though not all are available from the start and need to be unlocked through play or in-app-purchase (all can be unlocked through play). Having a good selection of classes to play with allows for different experiences to be had, which extends the playtime.
Pro Very streamlined item management that does not get in the way, allowing the player to concentrate on the gameplay, over organization
Cardinal Quest 2 is more streamlined over its first title. When picking up equipment, the user is given the option to sell if it is worse than what is already being used or worn. Making equipment management a lot easier.
Pro Lots of Google Play achievements to earn, which makes for some interesting tasks on top of the regular gameplay
There are a bunch of achievements that can be earned in the game, thus giving the player something to strive towards. This way the player can feel a sense of progression as well, since roguelikes tend to be light in this area.
Pro The included immersive mode allows for full screen gaming on devices that use a software navigation bar
Cardinal Quest 2 features full screen immersive mode on any Android device with OS 4.4+, which is great for those who have devices that use stock Android, as they can game full screen, hiding the software navigation bar.
Pro Deep gameplay that allows for plenty of customization choices
Depending on the character class used and items equipped, different strategies can be used and experimented with. Making for a deep game that allows for plenty of different setups.
Pro Contains ToME 2.3.5 -- which is a fan favorite
Pro Can be customized
Using the right app you customize the variant through the files.
Pro Based on Tolkien universe
Being based on the Tolkien universe makes for a familiar environment for fans as well as a deep offering of texture that would be hard to match from scratch.
Pro Five variants in one game
There are 5 variants of the original Angband included in this app, Sangband, Steamband, ToME, NPP Angband and Sil. With 5 games in 1 this app offers a robust offering of playtime.
Cons
Con Not a full traditional roguelike
By excluding a hunger mechanism commonly found in the roguelike genre there is no penalty for skipping turns, which can make certain areas and aspects of the game easier than other roguelike games.
Con You need a physical keyboard to really enjoy this game
You can't select / customize software keyboards, which makes controlling the game more difficult than using a real keyboard that can.
Con Cannot change the game
It always starts with ToME.
Con Enemies can target from off screen
While enemies can target from off screen the player is unable to target them until they show onscreen, which means the player can get hit from enemies they can not see or retaliate.