Identifile: Desktop Dungeon is an action roguelike game developed by the independent studio Gearbyte Games. This new studio was founded in Singapore in 2024 and Identifile is their first project. The game will be released on Steam in Early Access on 24 November 2025. The developers currently expect the game to remain in Early Access for around six months, during which time new content will be added.
Identifile: Desktop Dungeon, Hunting for Viruses
In Identifile: Desktop Dungeon, we find ourselves in front of an infected computer. Taking on the role of the desktop cursor, our goal is to identify and remove all the viruses to clean up the system completely.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of an old operating system, with lots of references to the Windows 98 era — such as the error windows that multiply and the blue screen that signals ‘game over’.
The names of the folders and files are entertaining. Overall, the game relies heavily on nostalgia, and does so very successfully (Yes, there is also a screensaver).
The game is not yet complete, but what is on offer is enough to get us hooked. The gameplay involves exploring the folder tree to find infected folders. Each time an infected folder is opened, various types of virus must be dealt with.
The type of attack available depends on the cursor being used. Each cursor has a unique attack pattern that significantly changes the gameplay. For instance, the basic cursor selects viruses with circles, while other cursors attack the area of action or allow direct clicking. There is also a cursor that acts as a real gun and another that can collect files orbiting around it and inflict damage on enemies.
There is plenty of variety; currently, 12 cursors are available, but more will be added as the game develops. Given that this is a roguelike game, it was an excellent choice to use characters, in this case cursors, that not only have different attack characteristics (speed, number of hits), but also different attack patterns. This makes it more enjoyable to repeat runs and allows you to find your preferred playing style.
Enemies have different attack patterns and, as we unlock new drives, we encounter new enemies. Once we feel ready, we can face the boss. Defeating the boss allows us to access the next drive. There are currently four drives in total, but the developers plan to add a final one.
Transitioning from one drive to another is accompanied by changes to the computer theme, music, enemies and bosses.
High replayability
Each game is unique: the folder tree and the enemies you encounter are randomly generated (you can save the seed before starting the game). In addition, cursor mods and exe increase variability. In dozens of games, we always got different mods and exe that allow you to take advantage of enhanced attacks, for example.
Once you have completed the game (at least in the current version by defeating the fourth boss), you can unlock modifiers. The ability to set these modifiers increases the game’s replayability because it allows you to face more challenging scenarios, such as upgrading enemy viruses or giving them the ability to heal over time.
We can’t wait to see how the game develops during the Early Access period, and we invite you to try the demo and fall in love with Identifile: Desktop Dungeon.
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