Venture into New Realms: A Deep Dive into As We Descend

The world of roguelike deckbuilders is filled with unique takes on the traditional formula, showcasing how diverse game mechanics can weave thrilling narratives and engaging gameplay. At the forefront of this evolution is As We Descend, an upcoming title from Box Dragon that promises to offer players a more strategic approach to this beloved genre, reminiscent of classics like Slay the Spire. After experiencing the game first-hand at Gamescom 2024 and engaging in an enlightening conversation with Kevin Chang, the game director, it’s clear that As We Descend is set to stand out in a competitive market.

Exploring the tactical landscape of As We Descend.

Redefining Battle Mechanics

When diving into As We Descend, one of the first aspects that captivate players is the unique battle map design. Differing from the conventional arrangement where your character stands against a line of enemies, the game adopts an aerial perspective reminiscent of classic strategy games. This shift allows players to engage in a more tactical gameplay experience.

The battlefield is not merely a backdrop; it’s a living component of your strategy. The map is divided into several zones, adapting a defensive layout that wraps around a core structure you must protect. This means players must assemble an army comprised of various unit types, each contributing their abilities to your card deck. Positioning becomes critical—while melee units must engage directly with enemies, ranged units need protection, often requiring clever maneuvering to maximize their impact. Keep an eye on the enemy tactics, as they can shift through zones, adding layers of complexity to encounters reminiscent of the strategies found in Darkest Dungeon.

The essence of As We Descend lies in its promise of a more tactical and dynamic combat experience. Chang asserts, “We wanted to maintain an aggressive, push-forward type of combat, ensuring the game evolves with each player turn,” a philosophy that helps keep encounters fresh and vibrant.

Empowering Resource Management

As every seasoned player knows, effective resource management can dictate the tide of battle. As We Descend addresses this by providing players with various ways to expend energy and utilize defensive barriers creatively. Unlike traditional models that render defense moot when not under immediate threat, this game allows players to resourcefully leverage their defensive cards, ensuring they always have a productive turn.

The allure of As We Descend extends beyond battle mechanics—players are rewarded with treasures and relics after each successful expedition. Not only does this provide immediate benefits, but it reinforces the game’s central theme of exploration and risk-taking. Intriguingly, players do not have to choose what to take back from their journeys; instead, they can reap all the rewards of their hard-fought victories, enhancing the feeling of accomplishment.

Gathering priceless artifacts from ancient ruins adds to the thrill of discovery.

City Life: A Hub of Strategy

After encounters, players return to their home base—a town gradually descending into the ruins. This hub acts as a strategic center where players can recruit new units, craft card decks, and manage resources. In the town, various NPCs provide services that translate the materials gathered into meaningful gameplay advantages. Chang emphasizes that it’s not just about drafting cards; managing your troops and making choices about unit capabilities introduces another layer of depth.

Furthermore, players will find that reviving fallen comrades, while essential, comes at a cost, imparting a permanent injury in some cases that can hinder performance. This risk-reward dynamic forces players to make tough decisions, ensuring that every action carries weight.

Favor, the secondary resource, offers yet another strategic tool. Used to trade cards during battles, it enhances the combat experience by reducing randomness, allowing for more calculated outcomes.

Exploring Game Lore and Factions

Much like titles such as Civilization or Age of Empires, As We Descend plans to incorporate distinct factions within its world, each presenting unique abilities and strategic advantages. As players delve deeper into the narrative, they will encounter lore-rich events within the town that can unfold optional story arcs, enforcing that immersion in the world is always at the player’s discretion.

Chang discusses the project’s evolution, revealing it once aimed to be a non-combat-focused experience, “but players didn’t grasp the tension or struggle without conflict.” With an artistic touch from Box Dragon’s lead artist, formerly associated with Riot Games, the visual identity of As We Descend contributes to its strategic focus.

Factions with unique mechanics promise ample replayability.

Anticipation for Launch

Currently, As We Descend boasts around 13 troop types, with plans to expand that number to between 18 and 20 by the launch. The design philosophy has always leaned toward enhancing strategic depth, moving beyond the one-character deck archetype prevalent in many roguelikes. This versatility promises to engage players long after launch through myriad gameplay styles.

With its clear emphasis on strategy, tactical combat, and engaging resource management, As We Descend seems poised to redefine the roguelike deckbuilder landscape. For fans of the genre looking for a fresh take, Box Dragon’s ambitious project should be on your watchlist.

Chang and his team are still deciding on the possibility of Early Access; nonetheless, players can already express their interest by wishlisting As We Descend on Steam. The game represents an intriguing convergence of classic strategy mechanics and modern deckbuilding, making it a genuine contender in the ever-evolving gaming market.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting title as it develops!