Roguelike and card game in one
Slay the Spire is a mobile game created by Humble Bundle. It is a strategy game that mixes card game mechanics with roguelike elements. Here, players will traverse a fantastical land called the Spire and take on different enemies using their deck of cards. The game is procedurally-generated, which means that the map is ever-changing and no two sessions are the same. However, this also applies to your cards, which can affect your chances of winning a match.
Collect cards and conquer the Spire
The game takes place in a sinister location called the Spire, with various floors that host monsters. The goal is to reach the final floor and defeat the final boss. To do so, players can use cards to attack the enemies or defend themselves against them. The game comes with four characters, each bearing a unique set of cards. There are over 350 fully implemented cards that you can collect to build a powerful deck.
In addition to cards, there are also relics with unique abilities that can help change the way you play. It also works as a permanent booster to use throughout the game. However, each relic is guarded by elite monsters that need to be defeated. As with other games, depleting your life bar ends your session so plan your moves wisely. You can opt not to engage and save your HP, but that means giving up on the relic.
Adding to the challenge is the ever-changing game map. As mentioned, the Spire is procedurally-generated. Every time you play, the game map will be different. With this, the experience will always be different, which boosts the game's replay value. However, the random number generator (RNG) also applies to the cards that you can collect. There is no telling what card you will get or if it is useable in your next battle.
Frustratingly challenging
Overall, Slay the Spire is a game that you can add to your list of challenging game titles to try out. It comes with complex gameplay that mixes deck building and strategy. There is enough difficulty in the game that can bring out the tactician in you. However, almost everything in the game is up to chance. Over time, you will find that losing because of luck can be a frustrating experience.
