Usually when you make a roguelike, it’s common practice to mix it in with a genre that is more execution focused to balance the rng (2d action for dead cells, twin stick shooting for isaac, 3rd person action for risk of rain etc). Slay the spire takes an interesting approach by mixing in the very luck based system of a roguelike with the equally luck based system of a card game, leading to an interesting phenomenon i like to refer to as Fuckshit RNG Games.

Fuckshit RNG Games: games with an average run length of <4 minutes, games that put you in a state of near-ego death as you habitually click around until you get a dice roll in your favor, games that stimulate parts of the brain probably not even named yet, games that feel like trying to save a sinking boat in the middle of the ocean with nothing but instant noodle packets, BUT if you’re lucky enough the angel Gabriel himself might descend upon you and fix it for you.

There’s a unique feeling in this game of constantly trying to course correct and steer yourself in a good direction against the sheer fuckery of the systems at hand. I sound negative but it genuinely makes for a pretty fun experience sometimes, even if you might have to abandon three runs in a row to get to that point.

If the story of sisyphus and the boulder speaks to you at an emotional level i recommend this game wholeheartedly to you. If constantly thinking you will die in a 30 minute run doesn’t sound pleasant maybe look for a different option. The occasional steamroll builds that happen are a nice cherry on top too. Overall really cool game if you enjoy the feeling of anxiety.