24.3 hours played
Written 1 day and 12 hours ago
HELLCARD is a refreshing twist on the deckbuilding roguelike genre, combining strategic card-based combat with a dynamic battlefield system and optional cooperative multiplayer. Developed by Thing Trunk, the creators of Book of Demons, HELLCARD is set in the same papercraft-inspired universe, delivering a familiar aesthetic with entirely new mechanics. It successfully bridges traditional card game structure with turn-based dungeon-crawling, creating a thoughtful, layered experience that rewards planning, adaptability, and teamwork.
The core gameplay loop of HELLCARD revolves around tactical battles fought using a deck of cards representing attacks, defenses, buffs, and special abilities. Players begin with a basic deck tailored to their chosen class—Warrior, Mage, or Rogue—and gradually expand it by acquiring new cards between combat encounters. What distinguishes HELLCARD from other deckbuilders is its battlefield grid. Enemies are positioned in specific ranges and formations, which directly affects what cards can target them and how they retaliate. Managing enemy placement and movement becomes just as important as managing your deck, creating a hybrid experience that blends spatial tactics with deck strategy.
Each run takes place in a multi-level dungeon filled with enemy encounters, random events, treasure rooms, and choices that influence your build. The risk-reward balance is ever-present—choosing when to heal, upgrade a card, or take a harder path can mean the difference between a successful run and an early defeat. Combat feels weighty and impactful, with enemy types and behaviors forcing players to constantly adjust their strategy. The escalating challenge ensures that even when you're overpowered, you're never invincible, maintaining tension throughout each session.
The inclusion of multiplayer is a standout feature that elevates HELLCARD beyond many of its genre peers. Up to three players can team up online, each choosing a class and working together to conquer increasingly difficult battles. The synergy between different roles adds a layer of cooperative depth that’s rare in card-based games. Whether it’s the Warrior shielding allies from damage, the Mage blasting enemies in the back row, or the Rogue exploiting positioning for high burst damage, teamwork and coordination are vital. Communication is key, especially when pooling resources or planning moves several turns in advance.
Visually, HELLCARD leans into the stylized papercraft aesthetic seen in Book of Demons, using a mix of 2D and 3D art that gives characters and environments a unique pop-up book feel. The animations are fluid, and the visual clarity helps during battles when positioning and targeting are crucial. The UI is generally clean and easy to navigate, though things can get slightly cluttered during chaotic encounters with numerous enemies on screen. The sound design and soundtrack are serviceable, if not particularly memorable, providing suitable atmosphere without overwhelming the thoughtful pace of gameplay.
Progression in HELLCARD includes meta-unlocks and character upgrades that persist between runs, offering incentives to keep playing even after a failed dungeon attempt. Each class has its own unlockable cards and passive bonuses, allowing for deeper experimentation in future playthroughs. While the rogue-lite structure is familiar, the game maintains freshness through varied enemy designs, unpredictable dungeon layouts, and randomized card choices, encouraging replayability and build diversity.
There are, however, a few rough edges. Balancing between certain card synergies and class abilities can sometimes feel uneven, and runs can occasionally be skewed by bad RNG in card or event selection. Additionally, while multiplayer adds significant value, connection issues or lack of matchmaking partners can impact the experience for those seeking quick co-op games. These issues are not game-breaking, but they highlight areas that could benefit from ongoing updates or refinement.
In conclusion, HELLCARD is a deeply satisfying tactical card game that offers far more than initially meets the eye. Its unique grid-based combat, class variety, and cooperative multiplayer mode bring fresh energy to the deckbuilding roguelike space. The strategic depth, engaging progression system, and atmospheric world make each run through the dungeon feel meaningful and distinct. For fans of thoughtful turn-based games and creative card combat, HELLCARD is a worthy and rewarding challenge that successfully builds on its genre’s foundations while carving out its own unique identity.
Rating: 8/10
