Rivals FTL in it's replayability and design (another indie gem worth checking out) If you like the sound of a rogue-like game with a challenging difficulty curve, an interesting atmosphere and a 'just one more go' addictive quality - then this should tick all the right boxes for you. I'm writing this review partly to correct a misconception that I do see online sometimes and which a review here on GOG seems to fall into. I just want to make it clear though, I'm not judging you for this opinion because I too felt frustrated at first when playing StS and thought the same - it's very easy to feel like there's a overwhelming random quality to the game play, that RNG plays far too big a role. The reality is though, that with the right strategy you will win about 70% of the time. There are youtubers who specialize in streaming their StS runs (who share their thought process btw) and they will agree on this. And you can tally up the victories to run ratio yourself and it does check out. Here are some basic tips/tricks: -Each character has 3-4 key strategies that you have to mould your deck of cards/relics towards. For example 2 key strategies for the 2nd character with the ox head is poison specialty, or activating as many cards in a turn. Regarding the latter, there's a fairly common card available that does bonus damage for every card activated. Prioritize that card and any relics that give a bonus per activated card too. Find what a character is good at, and stack as many bonuses as you can to multiply that advantage. -Every run has 3 maps. The first map is the easiest (kinda obvious) but what this actually means is that you have a short amount of time to mould your deck/strategy as best as you can before the difficulty spikes in map 2. Prioritising relics therefore on the first map is a must. And getting some good cards in your deck, either through victories or the shop is also important. -You do NOT have to take a card every time they're available.
