Railroads & Catacombs
" Engaging card-based roguelike with deep strategy and progression but poor balance issues "
Railroads & Catacombs Review
Railroads & Catacombs offers a unique blend of card-based and rogue-like gameplay, drawing comparisons to titles like Darkest Dungeon. Players appreciate its core mechanics and character progression, which provide a strategic and engaging experience. However, the game suffers from significant balance issues that affect overall enjoyment. Some builds feel overpowered while others become nearly impossible to use effectively against tougher enemies.
The game's progression system, particularly train upgrades, is seen as underwhelming and not impactful enough to justify the resources spent. Replayability is limited due to the single game mode and difficulty level, making the experience relatively short, typically under 10 hours for completion. Many players recommend purchasing the game only at a heavy discount, as the current state diminishes long-term appeal. Despite its potential, the game struggles with a punitive difficulty curve and a development approach that nerfs creative strategies, leading to frustration rather than fun.
Highlights
Players praise the game's strategic card-based mechanics and the strong character progression system. The core gameplay loop is engaging and offers a fresh remix of rogue-like elements familiar to fans of the genre. The game’s design encourages tactical thinking and careful planning, which many find rewarding. Graphics and presentation are functional, supporting the gameplay without major flaws. Overall, the game has quality foundations that appeal to those who enjoy challenging, strategy-driven experiences.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the game's poor balance, where certain builds dominate while others are ineffective, reducing strategic variety. The progression system, especially train upgrades, lacks meaningful impact, making resource investment feel unrewarding. Replay value is low due to limited modes and difficulty settings. The difficulty curve is described as punishing, with the developer's approach to nerfing popular strategies leading to player frustration. Many feel the game is too short and recommend waiting for discounts before purchasing.
Pros
- • Engaging card-based mechanics offer strategic depth and tactical gameplay.
- • Strong character progression system enhances player investment and customization.
- • Unique remix of rogue-like elements appeals to genre enthusiasts.
- • Functional graphics support gameplay without distractions.
- • Challenging difficulty curve provides a rewarding experience for strategic players.
- • Core gameplay loop is solid and enjoyable.
- • Game design encourages thoughtful planning and decision-making.
Cons
- • Poor balance with some builds overwhelmingly strong and others ineffective.
- • Train upgrades are underwhelming and lack meaningful impact.
- • Limited replay value due to single game mode and difficulty setting.
- • Punishing difficulty curve can lead to frustration rather than fun.
- • Development approach nerfs creative, fun strategies over time.
- • Short overall game length, often under 10 hours to complete.
- • Progression model feels iffy and unrewarding for resource investment.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
Make sure you are ready to face those sinister creatures.
Bosses will end your pathetic lives with no hesitation.
Position yourself strategically, either getting in close for a fatal strike against your opponents or maintaining distance to cast devastating spells.
The locomotive is connected to 12 different types of carriages, it’s the only sanctuary in this world of madness. Get away from this ominous land, find a safe place.
Assemble and oversee your crew, picking from the 5 classes that excel in combat or train-related tasks.
Pairing two of the six combat styles, there are more than 120 card upgrades.
Find your meta combinations, so your venture may last longer...
In this exciting Card Building Roguelike game you create your cards from scratch adding different upgrades. Build your train, explore the Labyrinth and survive. Discover infinite synergies. How far will you go?