Encounter The Lost Cards A Strategic Tarot Roguelike Review
Salvatore Grosso released Encounter The Lost Cards as a full 1.0 version after its Early Access period on Steam. The game operates as a turn based roguelike which uses a tarot card system to create its exploration and storytelling elements instead of using standard combat deckbuilding methods. The game offers a demanding experience which tests players abilities to handle resources and make strategic choices at a price of $9.99.
The game Encounter offers players a system which does not include a world map for navigation. Players must draw five cards from their tarot deck to proceed through the game. The cards show different encounters which players will face including merchants and NPCs and monsters. The card orientation determines which encounters turn hostile through its inverted draw system. Players need to handle their deck effectively because running out of cards means they must end their expedition immediately.
The combat system centers around managing an action economy system. Players can perform limited actions during their turns because the game restricts them through a stamina system which prevents excessive use of strong attacks. The combat system and gear system offer these essential functions
- Item Durability Players face critical weapon and tool damage which forces them to switch between various loadouts.
- Inventory Constraints Players face two main difficulties because they need to manage both their limited inventory slots and the costs required to upgrade their inventory spaces.
- Runes The items work as passive elements which activate their functions according to their position in the inventory displayed horizontally, thus creating a spatial puzzle that players need to solve for build optimization.
- Combat uses a system of icons which players need to learn about because it shows both status effects and available moves in the game.
Death in Encounter The Lost Cards triggers a unique judgment mechanic. Every action during a run contributes to a character's treat value as Virtue or Sin score. The score decides which afterlife encounter will take place
- Heaven Players who possess high Virtue can acquire powerful items before they return to their existence.
- Hell Players who show either sinful behavior or maintain their neutrality will encounter Lilith. They must win a high stakes dice roll or provide her with rare flowers or defeat her in a boss level fight to return to life.
Players can perform resurrections three times throughout a and they have no more resurrection options after their third death. The player dies for the fourth time which results in permanent game over condition that applies to all character paths.
The main objective of each run requires players to locate the Hermit card which belongs to The Collector who is a mysterious entity. Players need to collect flowers which serve as the main crafting material and resurrection currency to progress through the game. Players can use flowers at an Inn to create Major Arcana cards. This process expands the deck while introducing more advanced story content and it serves as the sole method to discover the Hermit card which players need to complete the game.
The game presents intricate pixel art which combines with a chiptune soundtrack to create its visual and audio experience. The story elements which connect to the four playable characters remain minimal according to the developer who plans to extend the narrative through upcoming post launch updates. The title currently runs on PC via Steam with a launch discount available through early February.
- Developer Salvatore Grosso
- Platform PC Steam
- Genre Turn based Roguelike
- Price $9.99
