Slay The Spire

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⭐ 9/10

This game was $3, and the number of runs I have done the overall cost was probably like a penny a run. This is a roguelike deck builder that is super simple to understand, but every single run you peel back a layer of complexity. I would never say roguelikes are my favourite style of game, and a main issue I have with this game is the huge lack of persistent rewards. But that is also what makes this fun - when you win it feels like skill and understanding, not just getting by because you have grinded to level up base stats or something.

I can only compare it to other games like this, and Hades was my most recent. In that one the persistent rewards and stats are huge, so much so that I don't think you really need to change your playstyle throughout. You start to recognize patterns since that game is based on reaction, but in this one the only way to get better is to be smarter. I loved how I would have a run where I would get some terrible card or relic, but then I would build my deck around it and end up winning! Very cool, that a game can be this difficult but also have infinite ways to win. And boy is it difficult! I feel like I am pretty good now, but I could start a run now and easily die in the first level if I turned my brain on auto pilot. It requires attention and deep thought.

Speaking of difficult, I still haven't beaten the final boss! It is incredibly challenging, and although I have had some really close calls I still haven't won. Its kind of optional, and you can still level up your Ascension (difficulty mods) without beating it, so that allows me to feel like I can stop playing this game without needing that 100% completion. But I am sure I am not done. This is a great game to play while holding a sleeping baby, and every time I do a run it feels unique and satisfying.

I think the run time is a point against as well. Runs feel like they get longer as I get better, with every one taking over an hour. A minor complaint, since you can pause in the middle, but that means when I come back I forget my entire hand!

All small issues, the core mechanics here are genius and make you feel like a genius. A game that makes me wish I had designed it, for how simple yet brilliant it is.

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