Joystick Ventures and indie studio Pengonauts have released mech-themed roguelike deckbuilder StarVaders, and it’s already hit the coveted Overwhelmingly Positive rating (98%) on Steam, with over 1,000 reviews. That’s darn impressive for an increasingly crowded and competitive genre.
StarVaders takes the familiar deckbuilding progression of games such as Slay the Spire, and adds grid-based tactical combat. By playing cards, players move their mech around tiny battlefields and defeat enemies, while avoiding attacks from the alien invaders.
Players start their run by choosing from three different mechs and 10 different pilots. The combinations offer unique powers and playstyles, as well as their own stories. The Gunner mech specializes in bullets and explosions. The Stinger Mech prefers swift melee attacks, while the Keeper utilizes supernatural spells and summons.
By defeating enemies and progressing through levels, players can upgrade their mechs and their deck from a pool of over 400 artifacts, upgrades, and cards. Plus, use special powers to rewind time and undo mistakes.
StarVaders also features challenge runs and daily run game modes.
“The amount of time players have spent with just the demo was always amazing, hyped to see the playtimes we’ll get with the full release.” – said Hansen, Lead Developer, Pengonauts.
StarVaders is available now on PC (Steam, GOG). The original soundtrack, composed by Plasterbrain, is also available for $4.99.
