{
  "id": 19216274,
  "title": "I Missed a Mobile Game So Much That I Built My Own 15 Years Later",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/i-missed-a-mobile-game-so-much-that-i-built-my-own-15-years-later",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-09T20:54:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/lezli01/i-missed-a-mobile-game-so-much-that-i-built-my-own-15-years-later-1b6b"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For several years, a mobile dungeon crawler game captivated the reporter's attention, despite it eventually vanishing from app stores. This game featured a simple chain-matching mechanic with RPG elements, leaving the reporter yearning for its return. Finally, the reporter brought the game back to life in the form of Gold & Skulls, an Android puzzle roguelike inspired by the lost game. The game involves connecting matching tiles on a 6x6 board to collect resources, heal, restore armor, and defeat enemies. Unique aspects include ten character classes, forty skills, thirty-two skull enemies, twenty equipment upgrades, three game modes, and four difficulty levels. A standout feature is fully deterministic combat, allowing players to see the exact outcome of their moves before committing. The game is a premium Android game without ads, microtransactions, or in-app purchases, emphasizing a straightforward, offline gaming experience. Players can purchase the full game on Google Play or try the free demo on itch.io for desktop builds. The reporter's journey from being a game addict to creating Gold & Skulls highlights the enduring appeal of missed gaming experiences and the joy of revisiting beloved pastimes.",
  "summary": "Ever played a game that got so deeply stuck in your head that you still thought about it 15 years later? Around 2011, I got completely hooked on a little mobile dungeon crawler. It had a simple chain-matching mechanic, some RPG elements, and that dangerous \"just one more turn\" feeling. Eventually, the game disappeared from the app stores. I never quite forgot about it, though. Over the years, I…",
  "key_points": [
    "Reporter missed mobile dungeon crawler game for years",
    "Created Gold & Skulls as Android puzzle roguelike",
    "Features deterministic combat and offline gameplay"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}