Procedurally/randomly generated worlds

[J T]

Minecraft and Spelunky are two recent indie games that I really like and a part of what I like about them is that their worlds are different every time you load up a new game. They both run some procedures that when a sprinkle of randomness is tossed in, manage to create endless unique and wonderful worlds to explore.

I know some of these tricks have been around for a long time because I remember reading about a space sim from the 80s that used some fractal mathematics to create what seemed like an impossible huge, intricate universe on low-tech technology. So, I'm wondering, what other games have procedurally generated worlds?

[CRTGAMER]

ELITE
Space trading random worlds.



DIABLO
Does this count? Random underground levels.

[J T]

In first, ELITE

THAT'S the one I was trying to remember! I forgot the name. It's amazing what they did with such limited technology. I just read about it on wikipedia. They programmed this in machine code to make up for the fact that the computer they were making the game on only had 14kb of memory. 14kb! Using procedurally generated techniques they were able to create a game in 1984 that contained eight galaxies with 256 unique planets to explore. Amazing stuff!

[Xeogred]

If there were some kind of Mario game like this, it'd be the greatest thing ever.

[chuckbanzai]

Typically anything that goes in the Roguelike genre is randomly generated. A fun free one would be Desktop Dungeons, but there are hundreds.

I would also put Warning Forever in that category sort of.
http://www18.big.or.jp/~hikoza/Prod/index_e.html
It is a really cool boss only shooter that gets harder and harder based on your skill and playing style.

It is late here but I think I have a good bit more to add to this topic.

[GSZX1337]

Do the Endless Modes in MEga Man 9 and 10 count?

[AmishSamurai]

There's options to make random maps in Civ IV (think V too). Also, most roguelikes, such as Nethack (which IMO does it for the worse- I've had like a dozen characters die because my spawn point and the only doorway out were both trapped)

[Hatta]

Also, most roguelikes, such as Nethack (which IMO does it for the worse- I've had like a dozen characters die because my spawn point and the only doorway out were both trapped)

That's just realism. Sometimes the world is just set against you. It shouldn't be too bad, as trapped doors are pretty rare on the first level. I always liked using the Archaeologist, so I didn't have to worry about using doors.

[AmishSamurai]

Also, most roguelikes, such as Nethack (which IMO does it for the worse- I've had like a dozen characters die because my spawn point and the only doorway out were both trapped)

That's just realism. Sometimes the world is just set against you. It shouldn't be too bad, as trapped doors are pretty rare on the first level. I always liked using the Archaeologist, so I didn't have to worry about using doors.

I feel like we've had this conversation before >.<

I usually go Monk, Tourist, or Samurai.

[J T]

I forgot that Diablo had randomly generated dungeons. Persona 3 did that as well.