A Fresh Perspective on Roguelike Deckbuilders: Exploring ‘As We Descend’

Delving into the world of roguelike deckbuilding games has become a thrilling experience for strategy enthusiasts. Box Dragon’s upcoming title, As We Descend, aims to elevate this genre with its unique mechanics and engaging gameplay, reminiscent yet distinct from staple titles like Slay the Spire and Monster Train. At Gamescom 2024, I had the opportunity to engage with Kevin Chang, the game’s director, who shed light on this promising addition to the genre.

Dynamic gameplay mechanics showcased in As We Descend

A Tactical Shift in Gameplay

One of the standout features of As We Descend is its spatial design, majorly different from what players expect from traditional roguelike deckbuilders. Instead of battling with a lone character against enemies in a straightforward manner, this game adopts a bird’s-eye view, reminiscent of classic strategy games. The battlefield is segmented into various zones wrapped around the player’s core structure—the city—which players must protect. This strategic layout allows players to command a small army, each unit contributing its own cards to the shared deck.

Positioning becomes critical; melee units need to hold the frontline, while ranged units can strike from afar. The introduction of enemy targeting mechanics, much like those found in Darkest Dungeon, adds layers of complexity that keep players on their toes. Unlike the fast-paced micromanagement typical of real-time strategy games, As We Descend allows for thoughtful planning, offering a turn-based combat environment where enemy intentions are clearly communicated, enabling players to devise their strategies with ample time.

Intuitive Combat Mechanics

The dynamic nature of battles in As We Descend ensures that each turn feels impactful. Players can stagger enemies, prompting different reactions—stunning them momentarily or securing critical hits based on tactical decisions made during combat. Kevin Chang emphasizes,

“We wanted to keep this aggressive, push-forward type of combat to ensure that the game evolves on your turn. It has more of an offensive spin to it.”

Boss encounters will also require players to adapt their strategies, as these formidable foes can launch counter-attacks. Such mechanics underscore the need for thoughtful gameplay and adaptability in the face of challenge.

Strategy in action—a critical moment during gameplay

Rewarding Exploration and Choices

Staying true to its name, As We Descend encourages players to venture deep into ancient ruins, acquiring treasures and relics along the way. Players won’t have to pick and choose the spoils of battle; instead, they can take everything they risked their lives for back to their hub—a humble city that itself descends into the ruins. Here, gathered resources can be utilized to enhance gameplay, leading to essential player decisions that can alter the flow of the game.

Moreover, recruiting new units and customizing individual mini-decks adds depth to the experience, allowing for diverse strategies and gameplay styles. According to Chang,

“It’s not just about drafting cards; it’s also about drafting units. There are all sorts of sub-choices within the game.”

These choices extend to reviving fallen troops within the city, balancing the costs of resources against the benefits of having a fuller squad. Notably, players also accumulate Favor in the hub, which can be utilized for drawing new cards in combat, further emphasizing the strategic decision-making embedded in As We Descend.

Enhanced Replayability and Faction Systems

As the game approaches its launch, players can expect a broad range of units to choose from—up to 20 troop types by the final release. This diversification offers a strategic edge over other roguelike games that often limit players to a single character. The flexible structure allows for choosing multiple characters, each equipped with unique abilities and decks, enhancing the replayability of the game.

Factions will also play a significant role, introducing unique troop types and mechanics that can create a rich ecosystem in which players can engage. Chang’s initial vision was to create a non-violent experience, but he discovered that combat was essential for player engagement, stating that

“Players just didn’t get the struggle. They didn’t get the friction, the tension.”

The diverse factions and units that await players in As We Descend

The Future of Deckbuilders

As the genre continues to evolve, As We Descend strives to carve out its niche by blending traditional deckbuilding with tactical gameplay elements. Chang remarks on the critical space the game aims to fill in the landscape of strategy games, stating,

“I think without that hook, we probably would not lean so much into the heavy strategy direction.”

Potential players can already add As We Descend to their Steam wishlist and stay tuned for the upcoming closed beta. Box Dragon aims to deliver an experience that both honors and innovates upon the established rules of the roguelike deckbuilding genre, making this title one to watch in the coming months.

For strategy game fans looking for a fresh take on roguelike deckbuilding, As We Descend is a title that deserves a spot on your radar. Keep an eye on this promising release as its launch approaches.

Published 9 Hours Ago