Thank you for your thoughts! I definitely agree with you about the RNG, I don't think it ever actually reaches the point where it alone will defeat someone playing optimally, but the small dungeon layout and the infrequent occurrence of loops in the layout likely exacerbate the issue.
Mystery Dungeon was a huge inspiration for the game, although I took more cues from the Shiren the Wanderer Mystery Dungeon series where the enemies all have unique effects on gameplay. I recommend the series if you ever want to try a more polished version of this style of gameplay.
If you're willing to give it another try, here are some tips to make it to the end of 5 floor mode:
- Choose the defensive playstyle.
- Use your items and special abilities whenever you are facing a dangerous situation. There is no value in hoarding them.
- Don't attack the white animals (lambs), if you instead remain by their side for ~3 turns you will be fully restored in health and sanity (SP).
- White lambs and black rams can cover documents, so it's important to deal with them.
- Only move toward flocks of eyes if the eyes are currently open. Try to defeat them whenever possible, they provide good exp.
- Try to have the same number of levels as the floor you are proceeding to, before leaving a floor.
- Prevent Gray-White Flames from getting the first hit by waiting for them to come to you.
- Early on Candles, Spiders, and False Statues are the most dangerous enemies in that order, but on later floors only Candles and sometimes False Statues pose a threat.
- Don't be intimidated by the boss, if you avoid facing its floating eyes and dodge its lightning, then you should be able to take down its core.
Anyway, thanks for playing the game! I really appreciate the feedback :)