When I turn on a video game, I typically want to experience something for the first time. Doing the same thing over and over again is what I already do during the day at work, so diving into something unexpected and hard-to-predict gives me a rush other forms of media just cannot. That is why one of my favorite things in gaming is randomness; it’s what makes a game an ethereal experience free from expectation.

There are entire genres devoted to random elements; these are called roguelikes. Games like this have randomness turned up to eleven. The playing field is procedurally-generated, and so are the weapons at your disposal, and your enemies. Pretty much everything is left up to chance to ensure the player gets a new run every time. As such, games like this are typically tough-as-nails, demanding several playthroughs to get accustomed and prepared for future encounters.

Some titles that have tackled this genre with grace are Binding of Isaac, Rogue Legacy, Risk of Rain 2, Enter the Gungeon, and Rogue Legacy. The subgenre has grown to be a staple for its cheap prices and immense replayability. Some runs, you’ll be out of luck within a few minutes. In others, you’ll get lucky and get kitted with some of the game’s most overpowered combinations of passive/active abilities.

Now, randomness isn’t all sunshine and unicorns. One of the biggest targets of ire in the gaming industry the past decade has been the dreaded loot boxes that have been presented in the biggest games around, like Call of Duty and Star Wars Battlefront II. You shouldn’t have to feel like you’re playing a slot machine to unlock the things you want to access in a game, so I condemn this implementation of loot rolls in games.

This isn’t to say that loot boxes can’t be done in a less-offensive way. In a game like Overwatch, loot boxes are purely for cosmetics, and are quite easy to earn with some play involved. Likewise, in Warhammer: End Times Vermintide II, loot boxes contain weapons and power-level items. However, you are able to unlock so many in any given mission that it’s a natural progression. When loot boxes aren’t pay-to-win, I’m perfectly okay with them.

Nevertheless, not knowing what to expect when your game is running is what makes it a unique form of entertainment. Keeping the player on their toes keeps them immersed and not wanting to put the game down. This isn’t to say that going into a game knowing what’s gonna go down is bad, though. Games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley prove to be immensely relaxing times, but I like some spice to my gameplay.

With Rogue Legacy 2 coming very soon, I’m really looking forward to getting back into the aforementioned roguelike games to prepare to… notbe prepared. While some people may prefer to play it safe when they play, I have a blast getting surprised thanks to random elements in gaming. If you’re looking for something new, a great starting point would be just about any of the games listed here, as you will get to play something I haven’t!

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