Slay the Spire

I've seen a lot of enthusiastic reviews about this game but in the end I find it just average. It's a very standard deck-building game. Cards allow you to attack or defend, there are buffs and de-buffs, single-use items (potions) that provide temporary bonuses and relics that provide permanent bonuses. There's a series of enemies to defeat with merchants and resting places along the way. And that's about it. The strategy is fairly straightforward if you have any experience with collectible/live card games. It's not bad, but it's also definitely not an outstanding game as many over-enthusiastic online reviews have lead me to believe.

First of all, it's a great game. No kidding there. I love the deck building, the fights, the strategic depth required to defeat the final bosses and beyond. However, I do have some frustrations, particularly with losing progress due to factors beyond my control like not getting the right cards, relics, or potions. Feeling powerless and lacking control over the fate of my character is disheartening. It seems like I die far too often. If there were difficulty settings or alternative methods for deck building (rather than relying solely on random card acquisitions with limited card removal options), or even a different approach to saving progress, this game could be truly amazing. The obstacles that impede progress have led me, like many others, to give up. It's a pity because I would have loved to explore more of the game, unlock new cards, characters, and discover different strategies for victory. However, the difficulty and frustration have reached a point where it's no longer enjoyable after investing dozens of hours. As someone who has been playing games for over 30 years, I find this experience quite disappointing. Games, for me, should be a source of fun and relaxation from the challenges of everyday life, rather than adding to the frustration.

At first, I was thinking - I like Ring of Pain better, but the addiction set in... Card games aren't really my thing. Or they weren't, anyway; this game changed my mind. Roguelikes are definitely my thing, however. So, I gave it a try and holy is this game addictive. Next thing I know, I'm in over 100 hours, rocking A20 runs. There graphics are pretty rudimentary, but it doesn't matter - gameplay is king. The OST, however, is excellent. There is a big learning curve if you want to get good and do A20 runs. The variety and the depth of the numerous builds is pretty staggering and daunting, but persistence is rewarded. I even started doing mods like Infinite Spire and actually came up with a new infinite on a Ironclad tank build (until you get blighted with a 15-turn max), via black cards, doing 999 damage a shot. I built a computer to conquer all the AAA games, but I find myself still spending much more time in the indie scene because they are the innovation and better gaming. This is in my top 3 favorite roguelikes. This is what gaming greatness and addictiveness looks like. I gotta stop playing it. Best run was an A20 Ironclad tank build, scoring 3,821. Can you beat it? Seed: 2L68MQA3MIXRR.

I am almost embarrassed about how many hours I've spent with this game (over 500 at this point). Something about how each run through is different depending on your card choices and combinations just has me enthralled. I do play other games: RPGs, Strategy, Simulations, and other Roguelikes, but this is one that I keep going back to, sometimes just as a pallet cleanser between others. It can be frustrating, I suppose, but I enjoy anticipating what the next attempt will bring me.

Fantastic game. I just want to respond to a specific allegation about this game: that it's extremely luck-based. It's not nearly as luck-based as you think. Luck, of course, plays a role, but it is possible to be good enough that you will win over 50% of the time. I've spent an embarrassingly large amount of time playing this game, and I can confirm that my win rate with the Silent is 51.9% (she's my favourite), and even better, 69% with the Watcher (though with fewer plays). I should also point out, I always play the fourth act (except before I unlocked it, and when I've stupidly forgotten to get the crimson key). To be fair, I have sunk hundreds of hours in order to be this consistent. There is enormous depth to the choices you can make. Which card do I add? Do I add none at all? Do I heal or improve my cards? How many elites do I try to fight? (Answer: as many as possible, in almost every situation!) After a point, you get a pretty solid idea of which cards are good in which circumstances, and can pretty accurately assess how good a card is given the makeup of your deck. Once you get to that stage, winning is not hard at all. But, it'll take you a while before you get to that stage!