OK, so it does not seem subtle at all! The graphics and sounds are quite over the top, but fun. The subtlety comes in trying to navigate the enemy with the cards and artifacts that you have. The multi-layered defence of your "pyre" usually offers several possible paths to victory, which keeps things fresh. Monster Train is often mentioned in the same breath as Slay the Spire. I lost interest in StS after around 100 hours played (which is great value and it's a great game), but am now 140 hours played in Monster Train and I am still jumping in for an hour or two per week. What keeps me coming back are the interesting custom challenges and "Hell Rush", which is a quick, multi-player real-time battle within the usual Monster Train run format. The GOG version has achievements and cross-play with other platforms, so that's a plus for buying it here.
I tend to prefer first-person rather than top-down shooters, but this game is really good. Lots of cool sound effects, with a sci-fi vibe, and an immersive atmosphere overall. You can play as various classes, each with their own level and style. I really enjoy the variety of weapons beyond the (many, many) guns, like self-standing sentry guns, melee attacks, remote mines etc etc. The developers clearly have vivid imaginations when it comes to destruction and mayhem. Gameplay rewards a combination of aggression and patience, which I like. Overall, I would pay the full price for this game quite happily. I have played 12 hours so far and am not close to getting bored.
