This topic concerns roguelikes.  In my search for unique and more traditionally-styled RPGs, I turned to roguelikes.  The only one I really enjoy right now is called Iter Vehems ad Necem (http://ivan.sourceforge.net/).  It's definitely unique in that you are a banana-harvesting slave on an island colony.  Your mission is to deliver a letter through the underwater tunnel to the High Priest.  I've only gotten that far, and have always been slaughtered in the next dungeon.  The hordes you face are some of the most ridiculous monsters one can expect to encounter, such as the horrifying Mutant Ass.  The overall feel of the game is pretty tongue-in-cheek, with some extremely random events that might have you laughing.

The gameplay is pretty awesome; your individual body parts have hit points, and you can lose an arm or leg in your battles (which can be replaced by a god...if they are pleased by you).  Dungeons are of course randomly generated, and I'm guessing your character varies slightly each time you start over.  Instead of choosing a race or class, your character just grows according to your actions.  Also, you start out with a puppy who follows you and helps you out, and you can recruit other pets or helpers along the way.

This game has a simplistic graphical interface, but works exactly like original roguelikes.  And, just like the originals, death is for good.  No save points!  This has been one of the most frustrating games I've ever played, but you learn something new every time you play, increasing your chances of making it just a little farther.

Anyway, I'd recommend this to any rogue fans out there.  I'd also like to know what everyone else enjoys as far as roguelikes, aside from the obvious NetHack and Rogue.

This seems really cool and I'm trying to get into it but I just can't, for whatever reason. I like the dialogue and such but somethings missing. I'll give it another go soon.

This is my favourite Roguelike - http://www.jmp.fi/~smaarane/urw.html

It's basically about survival in Finland during the Iron Age - what I love most is the freedom. You can do anything from being a hunter who sells furs to building your own village complete with followers and herds. You have to pay for the full version but the trial version gives plenty of gameplay, so give it a try if it sounds interesting.

I played that Finnish game, it's pretty rad!  A bit too complex for my taste, though.

I think the problem with IVAN is that it's a bit too random.  You start out with a completely random character each time, and have no say in your character creation (though your actions throughout the game affect your attributes).  Plus it lacks cool spells and attributes that are pretty commonplace in other roguelikes.  Sadly, development of the game was ended, so it may never reach its full potential.