Library Of Ruina

Library of Ruina is widely acclaimed as a deeply immersive and emotionally impactful deck-building RPG that combines challenging gameplay with a rich, dark narrative. Players praise its unique combat mechanics, complex deck-building system, and the memorable characters that bring the story to life. The game offers a profound exploration of humanity's darker aspects through its storytelling, enhanced by excellent world-building and atmospheric music. Despite its steep learning curve and difficulty spikes, many find mastering its mechanics rewarding.

However, the game is not without its challenges. The tutorial is often criticized for being insufficient, making the early game overwhelming for newcomers. The difficulty spikes are described as very steep, sometimes causing frustration. Additionally, the grind involved in obtaining desired cards and progressing through late-game encounters can feel repetitive. Nonetheless, the storytelling, art direction, and soundtrack receive high praise, making it a worthwhile experience for those willing to invest time and effort.

Highlights

Players highly praise the unique and strategic gameplay mechanics, especially the deck-building and combat systems that offer deep tactical variety. The storyline is described as emotionally powerful and well-written, with rich world-building and memorable characters. The graphics and art direction are noted for their beauty and expressive visuals, complemented by an outstanding soundtrack from Studio EIM and Mili, which enhances the immersive experience. The game’s challenging nature is seen as rewarding by many, providing satisfying moments upon overcoming tough encounters.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the steep and sometimes frustrating difficulty spikes, which can deter casual players. The tutorial and UI are considered inadequate, leaving players to learn through trial and error or external guides. The grind-heavy progression in the late game, especially related to card acquisition and replaying encounters, is seen as tedious. Some players also mention the lack of balance and occasional RNG elements that can feel unfair. A few desire more screen time for certain characters and improved visual effects.