Roguelike deck-building game

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A roguelike deck-building game is a hybrid genre of video games that combines the nature of deck-building card games with procedural-generated randomness from roguelike games.

Contents

Gameplay aspects

Most roguelike deck-building games present the player with one or more pre-established deck of cards that are used within the game, typically in turn-based combat. [1] As the player progresses through the game, they gain the ability to add cards to this deck, most often through either a choice of one or more random reward cards, or sometimes through an in-game shop. There also may be mechanism to remove cards from the deck, or to update a card already in the deck. Because the player cannot predict which cards will be presented as rewards, they must build their deck "on the fly", trying to develop potential combinations and synergies between cards and other gameplay elements, while at the same time avoid diluting their deck with cards that do not work as well. For example, the player in Slay the Spire can gain relics that provide permanent effects for the character as rewards from defeating powerful enemies, and the deck-building strategy subsequently will be tied to synergizing the effects of cards with the power of these relics. This approach to building out the deck is comparable to developing a character in a tabletop role-playing game, thus adding some depth to the game. Some games in this genre do allow players to edit decks directly, in manners similar to collectible card games, but still use randomization for how the cards play out within the game. The "card" metaphor is used most commonly, but other randomized elements may be used, for example Dicey Dungeons replaces cards with dice, but otherwise plays similarly to other roguelike deck-building games. [2]

Many games in this genre use turn-based combat, similar to console role-playing games. On the player's turn, they are drawn a hand of cards, and may play one or more cards, frequently based on limited amount of "mana" or "action cost" used in other collectible cards games. Card effects can range from simple damage, defense or healing to complicated effects that may linger for several turns, similar to real-life collectible card games. Enemies typically follow more straight-forward combat, attacking, defending, or applying buffs and debuffs to themselves or the player. Many games in this genre utilize permadeath, another roguelike feature; should the player's character lose all their health, the character is dead and the player must start anew with the original starting deck for the character. Often, these games include metagame aspects, with players unlocking the potential for new cards to be obtained with each runthrough, or gaining a small bonus perk on starting a new runthrough. Such turn-based combat is not always an element: Hand of Fate and its sequel use the player's card deck for randomizing the layout of the dungeon, equipment, enemies, and rewards, but combat is played out through a real-time action game. [3]

Encounters in these roguelike deck-building games are typically randomized, following roguelike producedural generation rules to make fair but different pathways through the game. Players are often given choices of which encounters, with more dangerous encounters offering greater rewards. There is often a final boss character and several mini-boss characters the player must fight through to successfully complete a runthrough. Because of the roguelike nature with numerous systems affected by the random nature, most roguelike deck-building games require intensive playtesting to make sure the game is properly balanced. [1]

The randomness of cards which are available to the player force them to develop strategies on the fly as they progress further in the game. A player can improve themselves in a roguelike deckbuilder by learning from their past mistakes and finding new combinations of cards and effects that can help them succeed. [4]

History

Richard Garfield, the creator of Magic: The Gathering , identified two earlier games that set the elements for roguelike deck-building games. The 1997 Magic: the Gathering video game had the player travel across the game world, winning rounds of Magic combat to gain cards to build and improve their deck. [5] Dominion was introduced in 2008 as the first tabletop deck-building game, itself inspired by Magic: The Gathering. Dominion inspired several tabletop card games that followed. [6] Some of these games were digitized for play on personal computers or mobile devices, but remained faithful adaptions of the physical game.

One of the first roguelike deck-building games is Dream Quest , a mobile game developed by Peter Whalen and released in 2014 (subsequently released for personal computers about a year later). Dream Quest, while graphically simple, incorporated the core elements of the genre. It caught the attention of Garfield. While Garfield had played more traditional deck-building games before, he stated of Dream Quest, "I became completely hooked when I realized that you really had to build a well rounded deck. Most deck building games reward you for picking a strategy and following it to the absolute exclusion of anything else." [6] Whalen himself was inspired by Magic: The Gathering in creating Dream Quest. After Garfield's discovery of the game and reached out to Blizzard Entertainment to try it, which led to Whalen being hired by Blizzard to help create their card game Hearthstone . [5]

While other roguelike deck-building games emerged following Dream Quest such as Hand of Fate , the genre gained more attention with Slay the Spire , which was developed by Megacrit. Slay the Spire was released into early access for Microsoft Windows computers in November 2017, and had its full release in January 2019, eventually expanding to release on several consoles as well. The developers of the game had wanted to make a game like Dominion, while using some of the concepts of the tabletop card game Netrunner , and had used the Netrunner community to test the game's balance before release. [7] Despite a slow start after its early access, interest in the game quickly built from online streamers and videos of the game, and by June 2018, had over one million units sold. [8]

By April 2024, over 850 games on Steam were tagged as roguelike deck-builders, showing significant growth in this genre. Among attributes creating popularity in the genre, as identified by Ars Technica , are its relative simplicity for developers to create through prototyping and testing of ideas and not requiring a large amount of artistic assets, a large amount of room for introduction of new gameplay and narrative genre ideas to the field, its ease of promotion through live streaming of playthroughs which often bring new players to the games, their high replayability due to the roguelike nature, the ease for players to pick up and put down the game in short periods to consider strategy, if desired, and their lower cost to play compared to traditional physical trading card games like Magic: The Gathering. [9]

Games

The following is a partial list of games to be considered roguelike deck-builders:

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Crawl is a brawler indie game by Australian developer Powerhoof. Up to four players and bots in local multiplayer advance through randomly generated dungeons with one player as the hero and the others as spirits who possess traps and monsters in the environment to kill and thus replace the hero. The game received a Steam Early Access release for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux platforms in August 2014, and a full release for those three as well as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in April 2017 and a release for Nintendo Switch on December 19, 2017.

<i>Hand of Fate</i> (video game) 2015 video game

Hand of Fate is an action role-playing roguelike deck-building game developed and published by Australian studio Defiant Development for Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, released via early access on 7 July 2014, and then in the full release on 17 February 2015. A PlayStation Vita version was announced but ultimately cancelled due to development issues.

<i>Griftlands</i> 2021 video game

Griftlands is a roguelike deck-building game with role-playing story elements in a science fiction setting with Moebius-like cyberpunk artstyle, developed and published by Klei Entertainment. It was initially released in early access for Microsoft Windows in June 2019; the full version of the game was released for Windows, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in June 2021.

<i>Slay the Spire</i> 2019 roguelike deck-building game

Slay the Spire is a roguelike deck-building game developed by the American indie studio Mega Crit and published by Humble Bundle. The game was released in early access for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux in late 2017, with an official release in January 2019. It was released for PlayStation 4 in May 2019, for Nintendo Switch in June 2019 and for Xbox One in August 2019. An iOS version was released in June 2020, with an Android version released in February 2021.

<i>Dicey Dungeons</i> 2019 video game

Dicey Dungeons is a roguelike deck-building game developed by Irish game designer Terry Cavanagh. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux in August 2019, for Nintendo Switch in December 2020, for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in November 2021, and for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in February 2023. Ports for iOS and Android were released in July 2022.

<i>Iris and the Giant</i> 2020 video game

Iris and the Giant is a role-playing strategy video game developed by French designer Louis Rigaud and published by Goblinz Studio, Plug In Digital, Maple Whispering Limited and Mugen Creations. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux on 27 February 2020. The game blends RPG and Roguelike, but is mainly a collectible card game. A port for Nintendo Switch was released on 5 November 2020.

<i>Fights in Tight Spaces</i> 2021 video game

Fights in Tight Spaces is a roguelike deck-building tactical game developed by British studio Ground Shatter and published by Mode 7 Games. The game was released in December 2021 for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S after an Early Access period that started in February 2021. Ports for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 were released in May 2023.

<i>One Step From Eden</i> 2020 video game

One Step From Eden is a roguelike action video game created by American independent developer Thomas Moon Kang, and published by Humble Bundle. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, it was released for Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows and Nintendo Switch in March 2020, and later ported to PlayStation 4 in June 2020, and Xbox One in November 2021.

<i>Dandy Ace</i> 2021 video game

Dandy Ace is a 2021 roguelike action dungeon crawler video game developed by Mad Mimic and published by Neowiz. It was released for Microsoft Windows and macOS in March 25, 2021. Console ports for Xbox One and Nintendo Switch were later released in September 2021, and in November 2021 for the PlayStation 4 version.

<i>Skul: The Hero Slayer</i> 2021 video game

Skul: The Hero Slayer is a 2021 roguelike-action platformer developed by SouthPAW Games and published by Neowiz. The game was released on January 21, 2021 for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux, and launched on October 21, 2021 for Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and launched on June 4, 2024 for Android and iOS. In the game, players control a skeleton named Skul as he attempts to save demonkind from their enemies, the heroes. The player can remove Skul's head for different skulls, granting new combat abilities across randomly-generated levels. The game received positive reviews on release.

<i>Roguebook</i> 2021 video game

Roguebook is a roguelike deck-building game developed by Abrakam Entertainment. Nacon published it in 2021 for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Console ports were released in 2022.

<i>Cursed to Golf</i> 2022 video game

Cursed to Golf is a 2022 roguelike video game developed by Chuhai Labs and published by Thunderful Publishing. Based on an itch.io demo created two years earlier, it was released for Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. The player plays as a golfer in Golf Purgatory, which they have to escape by completing eighteen randomly-selected holes in a specific number of strokes, with the aid of statues that grant extra shots when broken and powerups known as Ace Cards. Cursed to Golf received praise for its mechanics and art, though reviews were mixed on the game's difficulty.

<i>Unexplored</i> Video game series

Unexplored is a series of two roguelike video games developed and published by Ludomotion. The first game, Unexplored, was released in 2017. The second game, Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy, was released in 2022.

<i>Deep Sky Derelicts</i> 2018 video game

Deep Sky Derelicts is a dungeon crawl video game developed by Snowhound Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. It combines elements of traditional role-playing video games and roguelike deck-building games. Players create a custom crew, who explore and scavenge derelict space ships. It was first released in 2018 and was ported to consoles in 2020.

<i>Tainted Grail: Conquest</i> 2021 video game

Tainted Grail: Conquest is a roguelike deck-building game developed by Questline and published in 2021 by Awaken Realms. Players control an adventurer who attempts to stop a curse that is infecting their land.

<i>Backpack Hero</i> 2023 video game

Backpack Hero is a roguelike video game developed by Jaspel and published by Jaspel, IndieArk, and Different Tales. Initially funded on Kickstarter, it was released for early access on August 15, 2022, for Windows, MacOS and SteamOS. The full version of the game was released in November 2023 for Steam and Nintendo Switch. Ports for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, were released on June 11, 2024.

<i>Luck Be a Landlord</i> 2023 video game

Luck Be a Landlord is a roguelike deck-building video game developed and published by TrampolineTales. Players attempt to pay their rent by using a customizable slot machine.

<i>Balatro</i> (video game) 2024 video game

Balatro is a poker-themed roguelike deck-building video game developed by LocalThunk and published by Playstack. It was released on Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on February 20, 2024, with a port to macOS on March 1. Ports for Android and iOS were released on September 26, 2024. In the game, players play poker hands to score points and defeat "blinds", while improving their deck and purchasing joker cards with a variety of effects.

Cobalt Core is a sci-fi roguelike deck-building game released in November 2023 for Nintendo Switch and Windows, developed by Rocket Rat Games and published by Brace Yourself Games. It follows a group of anthropomorphic animals trapped in a time loop, fighting various enemy spacecrafts in an attempt to discover the origin of the loop and escape it.

<i>Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers</i> 2024 video game

Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers is a 2024 roguelike deck-building game based on blackjack. It was developed by Purple Moss Collectors and published by Yogscast Games.

References

  1. 1 2 Stuart, Keith (October 11, 2021). "Dungeon crawler or looter shooter? Nine video game genres explained". The Guardian . Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Walker, Austin (August 13, 2019). "'Dicey Dungeons' Will Help You Understand the Best New Genre in Games". Vice . Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  3. 1 2 Lien, Tracey (November 12, 2013). "Hand of Fate brings together roguelike deck-building with God of War-style combat". Polygon . Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  4. ↑ Scaife, Steven (January 23, 2019). "GAMESReview: Slay the Spire Is a Thrilling Deck-Building Roguelike". Slant . Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 Gordon, Lewis (June 30, 2022). "How One Of Gaming's Most Intimidating Genres Spawned A Legion Of Hits". The Verge . Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Gallop, Julian (February 6, 2018). "The Gollop Chamber: Rise of the roguelike deck builder". PC Gamer . Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  7. ↑ Caldwell, Brendan (January 31, 2018). "How Slay the Spire was tested on Netrunner pros". Rock Paper Shotgun . Retrieved January 31, 2018.
  8. ↑ Boudreau, Ian (June 30, 2018). "Slay the Spire has sold a million copies in Early Access". PCGamesN . Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  9. ↑ Purdy, Kevin (April 12, 2024). "Why there are 861 roguelike deckbuilders on Steam all of a sudden". Ars Technica . Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  10. ↑ "RDBG #1: Coin Crypt (2013)". Shrunken Shrine. November 27, 2022. Retrieved 2023-12-04.
  11. ↑ Wales, Matt (October 15, 2018). "Deck-building dungeon-crawler Hand of Fate 2's The Servant and The Beast DLC is out now". Eurogamer . Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  12. ↑ Velasquez, Sergio (February 23, 2021). "Night of the Full Moon review - "A timeless tale"". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  13. ↑ Contreras, Ricardo (August 7, 2019). "The Cruel World of 'Nowhere Prophet' Has a Saving Grace: Hope". Vice . Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  14. ↑ "Cross the wastes in Nowhere Prophet, launching on July 30". PlayStation Blog. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  15. ↑ Cox, Matt (May 22, 2020). "Monster Train might be the best deckbuilder since Slay The Spire". Rock Paper Shotgun . Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  16. ↑ "One Step from Eden Review - Jump Dash Roll".
  17. ↑ Maddox, Dani (May 13, 2020). "Signs of the Sojourner Review". RPG Site. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  18. ↑ Purchase, Robert (November 13, 2020). "Fights in Tight Spaces wonderfully reimagines action movie showdowns". Eurogamer . Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  19. ↑ Goslin, Austen (June 10, 2019). "Griftlands, deck-building strategy game, goes into Alpha on July 11". Polygon . Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  20. ↑ Chan, Khee Hoon (December 28, 2021). "The best games you missed in 2021: Tainted Grail: Conquest". Rock Paper Shotgun . Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  21. ↑ Valentine, Robin (December 28, 2021). "Trials of Fire is the most intricately layered strategy game of 2021". Rock Paper Shotgun . Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  22. ↑ O'Connor, Alice (2021-03-12). "A roguelike slot machine game makes perfect sense, in a weird way". Rock Paper Shotgun . Retrieved 2023-08-01.
  23. ↑ Valentine, Robin (March 31, 2023). "Wildfrost review". PC Gamer . Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  24. ↑ Castle, Katherine (November 8, 2023). "Cobalt Core review: rootin' tootin' timeloop space shootin'". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  25. ↑ Editor-in-chief, Katharine Castle; Castle, Katharine (2024-02-19). "Balatro review: only fools would sleep on this moreish poker roguelike". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 2024-02-23.{{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  26. ↑ アイドル育成×デッキ構築型ローグライク!? 「学園アイドルマスター」にハマる理由を「Slay the Spire」との比較で考察. Game Watch (in Japanese). Impress. May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  27. ↑ Nightingale, Ed (March 28, 2024). "Valheim publisher Coffee Stain announces new deckbuilding roguelike As We Descend". Eurogamer . Retrieved March 28, 2024.
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