HELLCARD
" Unique cooperative deck-building roguelike with tactical grid combat but limited content and pacing "
HELLCARD Review
HELLCARD is a tactical deckbuilding roguelike that innovates with its unique battlefield grid system and cooperative multiplayer mode. Players select from five distinct classes, each offering different playstyles and strategic depth, and progress through multi-level dungeons by managing cards, positioning, and artifacts that enhance gameplay. Meta progression unlocks new cards and artifacts, encouraging replayability and experimentation with builds. The game's papercraft-inspired art style and fluid animations provide a charming visual experience, though some find it less polished or too minimalistic.
Multiplayer is a major highlight, allowing up to three players to synergize their decks and tactics, though the online community is somewhat limited, causing matchmaking delays. Some players note balance issues, repetitiveness in enemy encounters, and occasional bugs affecting gameplay mechanics. Despite these drawbacks, HELLCARD offers a fresh, engaging take on the genre, especially for those who enjoy cooperative deckbuilders and strategic turn-based combat.
Highlights
Players praise HELLCARD's innovative grid-based combat system that blends spatial tactics with card strategy, adding depth beyond typical deckbuilders.
The cooperative multiplayer mode is highly regarded, providing rewarding teamwork and synergy between different classes.
Each character feels distinct with unique mechanics and unlockable artifacts, enhancing build diversity.
The game's papercraft art style and smooth animations create a visually appealing and clear battlefield experience.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include a limited amount of content and repetitive enemy and level designs, which can lead to stagnation after several hours.
Balance issues arise from dominant strategies like AOE attacks overshadowing other builds, reducing strategic variety.
Some players find the pacing slow and runs lengthy without speed options.
Technical issues such as inconsistent card interactions, lack of multi-monitor support, and a small multiplayer community impacting matchmaking are noted.
Several reviews mention that the game feels overpriced at full price and recommend purchasing on sale.
Pros
- • Unique grid-based combat adds strategic depth to traditional deckbuilding mechanics.
- • Cooperative multiplayer mode enhances gameplay with team synergy and coordination.
- • Distinct classes with varied playstyles and unlockable artifacts for build diversity.
- • Engaging meta-progression system encourages replayability and experimentation.
- • Charming papercraft art style with smooth animations and clear UI.
- • Tactical positioning and enemy placement mechanics create rewarding challenges.
- • Good blend of roguelike elements with deckbuilding and turn-based combat.
Cons
- • Limited content and repetitive encounters reduce long-term engagement.
- • Balance issues favor dominant AOE strategies, limiting build variety.
- • Slow pacing and long runs may deter players seeking faster gameplay.
- • Small multiplayer community causes matchmaking delays and dead lobbies.
- • Some inconsistent card interactions and mechanics affect gameplay clarity.
- • Lack of multi-monitor support is inconvenient for modern setups.
- • Overpriced at full price; better value on sale or discount.
Rating Criteria
Hellcard is a unique cooperative deck builder rogue-like game. Descend into the paper dungeons on your own, recruit computer-controlled companions or join other players' lobbies in fast-paced tactical card battles against the armies of darkness and the Archdemon himself!