People often cherish both renowned, exceptional games and lesser-known, undervalued adventures. While the popular ones may offer a polished experience, it’s sometimes the underdog games that leave lasting impressions. These games might not always be perfectly balanced or easy to swallow, but they still manage to provide an enjoyable gaming experience.
In the deckbuilding game category, there are many hidden gems that don’t get enough recognition. Here’s a selection of some outstanding ones you shouldn’t miss playing.
Each one boasts its own distinctive approach and set of difficulties that will captivate even the most experienced strategy enthusiast. Therefore, prepare yourself to choose a card, any card you prefer.
10. Nadir: A Grimdark Deckbuilder
Into Dante’s Inferno
From a numbers standpoint, Nadir: A Grimdark Deckbuilder might not seem particularly impressive with its critical score. However, having personally experienced the gameplay, I can confidently say it’s far from a failure.
One notable aspect about Nadir is its striking artistic style. This style leans towards Gothic and grunge themes, with an abundance of black, white, red, and blue hues. Moreover, it offers a distinctive twist: the cards played not only boost your opponent’s deck but also activate their unique abilities.
In other words, it feels like you’re competing against your own skills while exploring a realm reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno.
One potential rephrased version could be: “The main issue with this game lies in its unbalanced design, which means you might find yourself repeatedly losing until you’ve leveled up enough to overcome the demon adversaries.
9. Abalon: Rogue-like Tactics CG
Tabletop Dungeon Crawling
Platform | PC |
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Publisher | D20Studios, WhisperGames |
Genre | Turn-based, tactical deckbuilder |
Release Date | May 11, 2023 |
Instead of considering a strategic adventure when thinking about a deck builder, Abalon cleverly incorporated a strategic emphasis and blended in aspects from tabletop role-playing games. The outcome was an unexpectedly enjoyable journey.
In this game, each player starts with just 20 cards, but they can employ these cards creatively and adaptively, sometimes manipulating the game environment to their benefit. However, it’s important to note that using a swarm of squirrels for attacking opponents is not a common strategy here.
As a fan, I’ll admit that Abalon’s design is quite sparse compared to today’s standards. Its retro, pixelated, top-down view harks back to the NES days, which might seem outdated on a PC. However, don’t let that deter you, as it’s still an engaging game worth your time.
8. Neurodeck: Psychological Deckbuilder
Fight Your Fears
Platform | PC, Nintendo Switch |
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Publisher | Goblinz Publishing, Maple Whispering Limited, Forever Entertainment |
Genre | Rogue-like Deckbuilder |
Release Date | March 18, 2021 |
Among many games reminiscent of Slay the Spire, there’s no other quite like Neurodeck. It doesn’t stand out due to its aesthetic or mechanics, which are enjoyable, but rather for its unique emphasis on mental health exploration and overcoming personal fears.
You stand directly opposite entities that resemble your worst fears, sketched in dark shadows and possessing the power to destroy you completely.
By navigating this unconscious maze, you’ll progressively practice meditation and enhance different parts of yourself. These changes will subsequently influence the cards within your collection.
Overcoming balance will be the main challenge for you, as it is with many items on this list. Prepare for multiple failures before mastering the skill necessary to reach the finish line successfully.
7. SOULVARS
Ignite Your Soul!
Platform | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5 |
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Publisher | SHUEISHA GAMES |
Genre | Cyberpunk, Deckbuilder, JRPG |
Release Date | June 18, 2023 |
Initially, SOULVARS might not appear to be a typical deckbuilding game; instead, it seems reminiscent of a brawler-style game. However, this captivating Cyberpunk journey masterfully blends elements of deckbuilders and JRPGs, creating a fascinating cocktail.
In this game, you’ll employ Soulbits to execute potent sequences of attack maneuvers, as each opponent presents an intriguing puzzle. To top it off, the visual aesthetic boasts a delightful retro pixel art design.
Although it may prove challenging, anyone who perseveres with SOULVARS can expect an engaging blend of adventure that’s definitely worth the investment of your time.
6. One Step From Eden
Heaven Won’t Wait
One Step From Eden draws significant inspiration from the Mega Man Battle Network game series, a notable exception in the world of deckbuilders. The most recent comparable title in this domain is Card-en-Ciel.
In this game, the action takes place in a post-apocalyptic landscape, with Eden serving as the last sanctuary. The gameplay blends rogue-like mechanics, deck construction, and real-time action during battles. Moreover, it boasts vibrant, sugary color palettes for its visuals.
As a card game enthusiast, I can’t help but be thrilled about the nine unique characters I can dive into, each offering a exhilarating experience as I strategize and play my cards with speed and intensity.
5. Cultist Simulator
Everybody Loves Tentacles
Lovecraft’s works remain popular even posthumously, yet nothing quite matches the chilling atmosphere of Cultist Simulator. Set in 1920’s London, this game lets you blend cards as a part of an unfolding tale steeped in cosmic dread.
In this game, every decision you make significantly impacts the narrative that unfolds. Furthermore, there’s a legacy system in place, meaning your successors may reap benefits based on what you’ve accomplished.
Although the narrative carries a heavy, somber tone, the graphics in this adventure game seem slightly lacking. However, this is merely a minor point of criticism in an otherwise engaging roguelike deckbuilding game.
4. Wildfrost
Frigid Delights
Chucklefish specializes in creating and releasing humorous games that offer robust gameplay, like Wargroove. With Wildfrost, they didn’t just deliver another successful adventure, but they also introduced an entertaining and distinctive twist to the deckbuilding genre.
The unique aspect of your game is that your cards don’t assault each round, instead they decrease and strike according to a particular sequence. Additionally, there are supportive sidekick cards, combinable elements, diverse tribes, and numerous other features as you endeavor to revive the sun.
In your downtime from battling icy adversaries, you can enhance Snowdwell and uncover exciting new equipment and items for future playthroughs. However, remember that the game isn’t simple because it’s charming; Wildfrost is notoriously tough.
3. Gordian Quest
Why Knot Play?
You might be familiar with the story of the Gordian Knot, but let me tell you, Gordian Quest is an entirely new concept. Instead of dealing with an enigma like the knot, it’s a chilling tale filled with ancient curses and the management of a group of heroic characters in a classic fantasy setting, all aimed at saving the world from impending doom.
As a gamer, let me tell you, I was initially skeptical given the size of the studio behind this game. But boy, did they surprise me! The artwork is top-notch and there’s a plethora of gaming modes to explore – from the classic Campaign to Skirmish and Realm. Plus, each playthrough feels unique due to the procedural generation feature. It’s like getting a new game every time I play!
One potential rephrasing could be: There are moments when the gameplay and narrative can get confusing, but if flexibility is your style, you’ll likely discover aspects to appreciate in this innovative card game.
2. Nowhere Prophet
Witness Me!
The captivating game, Nowhere Prophet, boasts a graphic design reminiscent of Mad Max, blended with gameplay elements similar to The Oregon Trail and the challenging feature of permanent character death. This combination should give most players a hint of its genuine toughness as a deck-building game.
As a visionary leading my band of travelers through the desolate landscape, I know the journey ahead will be challenging. It’s inevitable that we’ll suffer losses among our ranks, yet remember, there’s always room to welcome new companions on this arduous trek.
As you delve deeper into the action, you’ll encounter a robust battle system and numerous distinct cards that allow for customization of your collection.
As a cunning gamer, I skillfully employ convoy and action cards to shift the odds in my favor. If not, I risk becoming nothing more than a forgotten mark on the game board.
1. Fights in Tight Spaces
Black, White, Red, Fight!
Platform | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S |
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Publisher | Raw Fury |
Genre | Deckbuilder, Beat ’em up |
Release Date | December 2, 2021 |
Anyone who’s watched a martial arts film likely harbors a secret yearning to perform impressive techniques of their own. Though such feats may be rare in reality, they are guaranteed in Fights in Tight Spaces.
Despite sporting a strikingly simple visual style, Fights in Tight Spaces is an exceptionally strategic deck-building game. The key to success lies in mastering momentum and tactical maneuvers, while also enhancing your cards effectively and employing them shrewdly.
One potential rephrasing for your text could be: “A downside is that the rogue-like aspects can feel repetitive and require careful strategy, but when you get the hang of it, this game stands out as one of the most underrated deckbuilders in recent times.”
This version maintains the core meaning and flow while using more natural language and smoother sentence structure.
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2025-01-15 18:10