My main game rotation always includes some sort of fps/shooter and then something more relaxing yet still strategic on the side. I love a compelling challenging game no matter what it is and deckbuilders always seem to hit for me. Growing up I played tons of cards with my family. Some of my earliest memories involve playing thirty-one with my great grandmother. She was very stern about following the rules to a T and therefore I feel like playing any sort of cards is in my blood. Below are a few of my favorites that challenged me in completely different ways while keeping me very entertained.
Inscryption
This game is an absolute 10/10 one of my favorite games of all time. You are thrown into this game in a dark room unaware of where you are or what the rules are at all. Don’t worry you will figure out everything over time.
You are seated across from a mysterious figure at a table with several pitiful cards. Over the game you will go on a journey building your deck, learning the rules, and learning what you are even there to do. This game is a game within a game as you can get up from the table and explore the room you are in. There is so much to learn and explore within this game and many Youtube series on full runs through the game.
Monster Train
This game is one that you can constantly return to. Unlike Inscryption it has individual runs that don’t build upon each other to develop a story but rather challenges to complete to rank up in level. There are different clans that work together with a main champion as well as a second one your can unlock. Super fun characters and combinations you can do to have unique optimized synergies. It’s challenging to learn how everything works together and entertaining to optimize your deck for wins.
A great series to watch on the game on Youtube is made by Northernlion here.
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire is different in the fact that you get to choose from four different characters to complete your run. Each focuses on different qualities like defense or healing which can give you different advantages throughout your run. Each play through is totally different, you can get unique relics + items, and face a boss at the end of each floor.
Deckbuilders like Inscryption, Monster Train, and Slay the Spire are captivating through their unique storytelling and need for strategic thinking. For someone who grew up playing cards these games take something I loved growing up and added so many layers to play around with. I hope you guys give these a try and enjoy 🙂