[encrypted]

A screenshot of the game. The screen is made up of abstract, monospaced glyphs, against a dark grey background. There are lines of text using these glyphs at the bottom of the screen, while above them is a rudimentary map made up of the same glyphs, with the player character in the centre (also a glyph).
A screenshot of the game. The screen is made up of abstract, monospaced glyphs, against a dark grey background. There are lines of text using these glyphs at the bottom of the screen, while above them is a rudimentary map made up of the same glyphs, with the player character in the centre (also a glyph). A screenshot of the game. An explosion of bright glyphs emanates from the player. A screenshot of the game. The player is surrounded by enemies, with one enemy shooting a line of bright glyphs to its left, and a similar line of bright glyphs forming a laser barrier and blocking the player's path. A screenshot of the game. A shockwave of large glyphs washes over the player. A screenshot of the game. The player has died. The camera is in the process of zooming in on them and rotating.

[encrypted] is a short-form abstract roguelike. Unlike most roguelikes, however, in [encrypted] all the game's text is disguised via a complex system of encryption.

The game can (and indeed should) be played without cracking the encryption, but for those who are able to crack the code, the game provides hooks to add in custom decryption routines.

The game incorporates an elaborate set of synthesizers and audio effects in order to generate all its audio procedurally.

I created a companion zine covering some well-known encryption and decryption techniques which may be useful in cracking the game's encryption. You can download it with the game from the itch page.