Tag: #Roguelike

  • The Machine is In: Why Topdeck Automat is Your New Roguelike Obsession

    The Machine is In: Why Topdeck Automat is Your New Roguelike Obsession

    If you’ve ever felt the soul-crushing despair of drawing a dead hand in a deckbuilder, or the chaotic anxiety of positioning units in an auto-battler, take a deep breath. There’s a new player in town that wants to handle the manual labour for you.

    Topdeck Automat is the roguelike auto-battler where the core gimmick isn’t just a feature—it’s the entire engine. In this game, your deck literally prints itself.


    The Hook: Automation Meets Adaptation

    In most roguelikes, you spend your time agonising over which card to remove from your deck. In Topdeck Automat, you’re building a “factory” of logic. Instead of just playing cards, you are configuring an automated system that generates its own resources, units, and spells mid-combat.

    Think of it as Slay the Spire meeting Factorio. You aren’t just a player; you’re the lead engineer of a self-replicating deck of doom.

    Why It’s Addictive:

    • The “Print” Mechanic: As you battle, your “Automat” generates cards based on the modules you’ve installed. Watching your hand fill up with perfectly timed synergies that you programmed is a high unlike any other.
    • Zero Micro, All Strategy: You do the heavy lifting between rounds. Once the “Start” button is hit, you sit back and watch your creation succeed (or spectacularly fail) based on your blueprint.
    • Infinite Scaling: Because the deck prints itself, the power ceiling is astronomically high. You’re not limited by what’s in your draw pile; you’re limited only by your engine’s efficiency.

    How to Master the “Self-Printing” Meta

    To survive the later floors, you can’t just slap random modules together. You need a build path:

    StrategyFocusBest For…
    OverclockingSpeed and high-frequency printingBurning down bosses quickly.
    RecyclingTurning “scrap” cards into permanent buffsLong, defensive wars of attrition.
    Quality ControlPrinting fewer, but much more powerful, Elite cardsPrecision strikes and bypass shields.

    Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on your “Ink” levels. A self-printing deck is only as good as the resources fueling the printer. If you over-automate without a mana battery, your engine will stall right when the boss winds up a heavy hit.


    The Verdict

    Topdeck Automat solves the “bad draw” RNG that plagues the genre by putting the deck’s very existence in your hands. It feels less like playing a card game and more like winning a brilliant argument. It’s sleek, it’s satisfying, and it’s dangerously easy to say “just one more run.”

    Ready to fire up the press? Your deck is waiting to be built… by itself.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/oulyl

    #Ludokultur #TopdeckAutomat #roguelike #autobattler #deckprints #workerdroid #synergisticblueprints #alieninvaders #stackablemodules #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Rolling Out: The WANDERBURG Playable Demo Is Live!

    Rolling Out: The WANDERBURG Playable Demo Is Live!

    The wait is over, and the wheels are turning! Today, February 23, 2026, developer Randwerk and publisher Sidekick Publishing have officially dropped the surprise playable demo for WANDERBURG as part of Steam Next Fest.

    If you’ve ever looked at a medieval castle and thought, “This would be much better if it had a giant engine, 12-foot wheels, and a hunger for villages,” then this is the game you’ve been waiting for.

    What is WANDERBURG?

    Described as “Howl’s Moving Castle meets Agar.io,” WANDERBURG is a minimalist open-world roguelike where you pilot a Castle on Wheels. In this bizarre ecosystem, castles are the apex predators. You aren’t just defending a fortress; you are the fortress, and you are hungry.


    Key Features of the Demo

    The demo offers a substantial look at the core gameplay loop that has already earned the game over 250,000 wishlists:

    • Consume and Grow: Roll over fleeing villages and smaller fortresses to fuel your expansion. As you defeat bosses, your castle physically grows from a small tower to a massive, multi-module war machine.
    • Modular Arsenal: Customise your build on the fly. You can staff your ramparts with Wizard Towers, mount heavy Cannons, deploy Explosive Mines, or even attach Giant Spider Legs for mobility.
    • Survivors-Like Progression: While you navigate an open world, the combat and upgrade system draws inspiration from “survivor-like” mechanics, offering satisfying power scaling within every run.
    • “Ready-for-Potato” Optimisation: The developers have ensured the game runs smoothly on almost any hardware, from high-end rigs to office laptops and handhelds.

    “Wanderburg is a minimalist open-world roguelike in an ecosystem of Castles on Wheels. Consume, grow bigger, upgrade your modules, and survive!” — Randwerk Development Team


    Why the Hype?

    WANDERBURG first turned heads at the 2025 PC Gaming Show, and a recent closed playtest saw a staggering 126,000 participants. The community feedback from that test has been baked into this new Demo build, which includes more content, refined vehicle handling, and improved balance.

    How to Play

    The demo is available right now on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest, which runs from February 23 to March 2.

    PlatformStatus
    PC (Steam)Demo Live Now
    Full ReleaseLate 2026
    Input SupportKeyboard, Mouse, Controller, Touch

    If you enjoy the demo, don’t forget to Wishlist the game—it’s the best way to support the three-person team at Randwerk as they roll toward the full 2026 launch!

    Find out more here – https://wanderburg.com/

    #SidekickPublishing #Randwerk #openworld #roguelike #WANDERBURG #playabledemo #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #gameplay #demogames

  • The Landlord’s Gambit: Meet RENTPOLY, the Roguelike Board Game Redefining “Property Management”

    The Landlord’s Gambit: Meet RENTPOLY, the Roguelike Board Game Redefining “Property Management”

    If you’ve ever played Monopoly and thought, “This is great, but I wish I could trigger a 5x multiplier on my Boardwalk hotel by drinking a soda and using a power tool,” then Sunpeak Games has a very specific, very addictive gift for you.

    Enter RENTPOLY, the newly announced indie title currently in development for a 2026 release. Coming off the success of their action-roguelike Spell Disk, the California-based team at Sunpeak Games is pivoting from wizardry to real estate—but keeping the “broken” synergies that make roguelikes so satisfying.


    The Pitch: Balatro Meets Monopoly

    The developer describes RENTPOLY as a roguelike city-builder board game. While the board might look familiar, the gameplay is anything but traditional. Instead of just hoping for a lucky roll, you are building a “money-printing machine” through layers of greedy synergies.

    As a renter-turned-dev, the creator wanted to explore the “other side” of the landlord-tenant relationship, fueled by a self-admitted Balatro addiction. The result? A game where you don’t just collect rent; you optimise it to absurd, billionaire-tier heights.

    Key Game Features

    Sunpeak Games isn’t holding back on the variety. The game is set to launch with a massive amount of “build” potential:

    • 130+ Properties: Diverse buildings to attract tenants and generate revenue.
    • 200+ Tools: These are your “relics” or “jokers”—items that create powerful, game-breaking synergies.
    • 30+ Foods & 10+ Drinks: Consumables that manipulate luck or permanently boost property values.
    • 10+ Playable Characters: Each likely bringing a unique spin to the market.
    • 5+ Unique Maps: Different cityscapes to conquer.

    Why You Should Care

    The “roguelike-ification” of classic genres is at an all-time high, but RENTPOLY stands out by tackling the board game format.

    “Every decision matters. Every build, purchase, demolition, and dice roll can completely reshape your run.” — Sunpeak Games

    Unlike the original Monopoly, which is often criticised for being decided by luck in the first twenty minutes, RENTPOLY emphasises player agency. You aren’t just at the mercy of the dice; you’re using tools and “drinks” to bend those dice to your will.


    How to Play It Right Now

    While the full release is slated for 2026, you don’t have to wait two years to see if you have what it takes to be a digital tycoon.

    As part of the recent Steam Board Game Fest, Sunpeak Games has opened up a public playtest. You can head over to the RentPoly Steam Page and request access to start building your empire today.

    Find out more here – https://sunpeakgames.com/

    #SunpeakGames #RentPoly #roguelike #citybuilder #tycoon #tools #food #drinks #business #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Small Board, Big Brain: Why You Need to Play Underboard

    Small Board, Big Brain: Why You Need to Play Underboard

    If you’ve ever felt like modern strategy games are getting a bit too bloated, Underboard is the “palette cleanser” you’ve been looking for. Developed by 2 Left Thumbs, this game proves that you don’t need a sprawling map to have deep tactical complexity.

    What makes it click?

    • The “Micro” Scale: Most battles take place on a tiny grid. There’s nowhere to hide, which means every single move is high-stakes.
    • Synergy is King: It’s not just about hitting hard; it’s about how your units interact. Setting up a chain reaction feels incredibly rewarding.
    • The Aesthetic: It captures that “lo-fi tactile” vibe perfectly. It feels like a physical board game you’d find in a dusty attic—if that board game were haunted by clever AI.

    The Verdict: It’s the perfect “one more round” game for people who love the tight design of Into the Breach but want something with a unique, stylized flair.

    Quick Stats

    FeatureDetails
    Developer2 Left Thumbs
    GenreTactical Roguelike / Strategy
    PlaystyleShort sessions, high replayability
    VibeMinimalist, sharp, and satisfying

    Underboard manages to be accessible enough to pick up in five minutes, but deep enough to keep you staring at the screen for an hour trying to calculate the perfect turn.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/v0bHQ

    #roguelike #autobattler #tacticsgame #underboard #monsters

    #2LeftThumbs #steam #rpg #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • The Tabletop Tavern’s Winter Update: A Cosy New Chapter!

    The Tabletop Tavern’s Winter Update: A Cosy New Chapter!

    The air is getting crisp, the days are shorter, and there’s a definite chill in the air – which means it’s the perfect time for the Tabletop Tavern to unveil its much-anticipated Winter Update!

    Get ready to bundle up and dive into a host of new features, events, and a general festive spirit that will make your game nights even more magical.

    A Winter Wonderland Makeover!

    First things first, you’ll notice the Tavern has had a beautiful winter makeover. Snow gently falls outside the windows, garlands adorn the walls, and a warm, inviting glow emanates from every corner.

    It’s the perfect ambience for settling in with your favourite board game and a warm drink.

    Tabletop Tavern on Steam – https://shorturl.at/nIs0h

    #TabletopTavern #RTS #roguelike #demogame #gametrailer #battles #warfare #MemoriStudios #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Hordes of Fate: A Hand of Fate Adventure – Is It Worth Your Time?

    Hordes of Fate: A Hand of Fate Adventure – Is It Worth Your Time?

    Fans of the original Hand of Fate and its sequel have eagerly awaited the next instalment in the series. While not a direct sequel, Hordes of Fate: A Hand of Fate Adventure promises to deliver the same unique blend of deck-building, action-RPG combat, and choose-your-own-adventure storytelling that made the previous games so captivating. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

    A Familiar Yet Fresh Experience

    For those new to the Hand of Fate universe, imagine a roguelike where your adventure is literally laid out before you on a table of cards by a mysterious, taunting Dealer. Each card represents an encounter – a choose-your-own-adventure scenario, a combat challenge, a mini-game, or a treasure. Hordes of Fate retains this core mechanic, and it’s as engaging as ever.

    What sets Hordes of Fate apart is its refined focus and streamlined approach. While the previous games offered a sprawling narrative, Hordes of Fate feels more like a series of self-contained, yet interconnected, adventures. This allows for quicker play sessions and a greater emphasis on tactical deck construction. The Dealer is back, of course, with his signature witty banter and thinly veiled threats, and he remains a highlight of the experience.

    Deck Building: The Heart of the Game

    As with its predecessors, your success in Hordes of Fate hinges on your deck. You’ll collect new equipment, artefacts, and encounter cards throughout your journeys. Building a synergistic deck is crucial. Do you focus on high damage weapons and aggressive combat encounters? Or do you lean into defensive abilities and beneficial narrative choices? The game encourages experimentation, and discovering powerful card combinations is incredibly satisfying.

    One of the most welcome additions is the increased diversity in enemy factions and their corresponding encounter cards. This keeps the game fresh, as you’ll constantly be adapting your strategy to new threats and opportunities.

    Combat: Fast-Paced and Punishing

    Combat in Hordes of Fate retains the fluid, action-RPG style that fans love. Dodging, parrying, and strategically using your abilities are key to surviving the often-brutal encounters. Enemies hit hard, and a moment of carelessness can quickly lead to your demise, sending you back to the Dealer’s table.

    The Verdict: A Solid Hand

    Hordes of Fate: A Hand of Fate Adventure successfully builds upon the established foundation of the series while introducing enough new elements to feel distinct. The refined focus on self-contained adventures, combined with the ever-present charm of the Dealer and the addictive deck-building mechanics, makes for a highly enjoyable experience.

    If you’re a fan of the Hand of Fate series, this is a no-brainer. If you’re new to the franchise and enjoy roguelikes, deck-building games, and action RPGs with a unique narrative twist, then Hordes of Fate is definitely worth shuffling into your gaming rotation. It’s a challenging, rewarding, and endlessly replayable adventure that will keep you coming back for “just one more hand.”

    What are your thoughts on Hordes of Fate? Let us know in the comments below!

     Hordes of Fate – https://www.spitfireinteractive.com.au/

    #HordesofFateAHandofFateAdventure #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #HordesofFate #deckbuilding #shooter #AHandofFateAdventure #roguelike

  • Sci-fi roguelike Breachway gets early access next month

    Sci-fi roguelike Breachway gets early access next month

    The wait is almost over for Breachway the turn-based tactical space game as it will go into early access at the end of August for PC gamers, head on over to Steam, GOG or the Epic Games Store for this brilliant sci-fi roguelike deck builder where you can get your ship, gather a crew together and take on the galaxy with everything it can throw at you in this turn-based game, who know what cards you will be dealt! Are you ready to take on the Breachway game?

    Find out more about the Breachway game here on the Steam website; https://store.steampowered.com/app/2118810/Breachway/

    #TacticalSpaceGame #Breachway #HoodedHorse #Space #BreachwayGame #EdgeflowStudio #SciFi #Roguelike #Deckbuilding #PC #Steam #GOG #EpicGamesStore #Gamers #Gaming #Games