Developer – Cole Chittim

Publisher – Cole Chittim

Platforms –  Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

Cards We’re Dealt offers a fresh spin on the deckbuilding genre by integrating it with roguelike elements and a horror theme. As an office temp trapped in a haunted corporate labyrinth, players must navigate a series of increasingly challenging levels. The game’s core mechanic involves collecting and curating a deck of magical cards, each bestowing various abilities and some with inherent drawbacks. This system requires strategic decision-making, as players must balance their deck to effectively combat the relentless demonic forces they encounter.

The game’s narrative unfolds over six chapters, revealing a gripping mystery that answers how the protagonist ends up trapped in this eerie underworld. The storytelling is compelling, with each chapter peeling back layers of the dark setting. The atmosphere is hauntingly immersive, with the backrooms of this corporate inferno meticulously designed to instill a sense of dread and urgency to escape.

Combat is inventive, allowing players to use a combination of firearms, magic, and the macabre heads of former interns to fend off demonic adversaries. The action is fluid, and the difficulty scales well as you progress, offering a satisfying challenge. The array of enemies keeps each encounter fresh and requires players to continually adapt their tactics.

Cards We’re Dealt allows for a collaborative multiplayer experience, where you and your friends can band together to escape the underworld. The cooperative mode adds a layer of strategy, as players must work in unison and combine their unique card abilities effectively. However, the game could benefit from more robust communication tools to better coordinate during the frenetic action.

The endless escape mode significantly enhances the game’s replayability. Here, players can test their deckbuilding prowess and combat skills in a never-ending struggle for survival. The procedural generation of levels ensures that no two playthroughs are the same, providing a new challenge with each attempt.

Graphically, the game strikes an impressive balance between office mundanity and the surreal horrors of the underworld. The art style effectively conveys the game’s ominous tone. Sound design is another high point, with an unsettling soundtrack and well-timed sound effects that amplify the horror elements and keep the player on edge.

Cards We’re Dealt is a standout title in the indie scene, blending deckbuilding, roguelike gameplay, and horror in a way that feels innovative. It successfully creates an atmosphere that is as oppressive as it is compelling, driving players to uncover the secrets of its narrative. While the multiplayer component could use refinement, the overall experience remains engrossing and rewarding. Whether braving the depths alone or with friends, this game is a must-play for fans of the genre looking for a haunting challenge.