Breakout indie hits likeSlay the Spirehave done more than enough to establish the deck-building subgenre as worth paying attention to. As fans patientlyawait the release ofSlay the Spire 2next year, they may be interested in checking outDeath or Glory, a full-throttle deck-building game published and developed by Distilled Gaming Company, launching in full on September 24 on PC.
ThoughDeath or Gloryreleases in full later this month, it is currently available in early access on Steam.
WhileSlay the Spireis eerie, dank, and almost Lovecraftian in its visual and narrative presentation,Death or Glorylooks to be taking a different approach. The latter game seems more concerned with edgy and campy action-hero antics than the more ploddingSlay the Spire, inviting comparisons to the likes ofMortal KombatorStreet Fighter, whose mythologies are decidedly over-the-top and bombastic. Its diverse roster of character classes run the gambit from arcane-wielding Spellslingers to electronics-savvy Techies, making it a unique prospect for anyone interested in inventive worlds and varied gameplay opportunities, which is hopefully exactly what the final product will deliver.
Death or Glory: Slay the Spire Meets Mortal Kombat
Death or Glory Has the Progression and Strategic Focus of Slay the Spire
Slay the Spireand games like itare designed around a simple, yet endlessly engaging, sense of balance. Players must be thoughtful about which cards they choose to play, naturally, but the roguelike structure opens the door to constant unpredictability and change. The result is an experience where long-term strategy meets short-term adaptation, as thinking on the fly is as necessary for victory as well-wrought methodology.
This balance is something thatDeath or Gloryis attempting to capture. Players move through the game’s single-player deck-building campaign, which follows many of thesame gameplay beats asSlay the Spire: new cards and buffs will become available as the campaign moves forward, but the core gameplay consists of encounters with enemies who boast their own formidable decks, meaning that the tide of battle can change at any moment. Choosing the right cards for the job is the line between victory and defeat.
As for theMortal Kombatcomparison, it’s clear thatDeath or Gloryis drawing at least some inspiration from the classic fighting game scene. Rather than taking on hordes of fodder enemies or randomized cosmic horrors like inSlay the Spire,Death or Glorypresent players with single opponents, designed to be just asiconic and memorable as the likes of Johnny Cageor Sub-Zero. These opponents have their own unique playstyles, strengths, and weaknesses, teeing the game up for all manner of offensive mismatches and unique combat dynamics.
How Death or Glory Differentiates Itself
The parallels betweenDeath or GloryandSlay the Spireshould be obvious to anyone familiar with the latter title, but the former is attempting to do a few things differently. Aside from the aforementioned character roster,Death or Gloryhas some promising mechanical distinctions, such as the counter system, which allows players to take an active role while defending. Implemented correctly, this counter mechanic could make for a much more tense, thrilling gameplay experience than evensome of the best deck-building games, infusing the gameplay with a sense of constant momentum.
Another notable distinction between the two titles isDeath or Glory’s competitive multiplayer, which is something lacking fromSlay the Spireandother hit deck-builders likeInscryption. This should be an enticing prospect for fans of these games, as being able to conquer another player through superior strategy could add another, powerful dimension toDeath or Glory’s core gameplay loop.
Slay the Spire
WHERE TO PLAY
We fused card games and roguelikes together to make the best single player deckbuilder we could. Craft a unique deck, encounter bizarre creatures, discover relics of immense power, and Slay the Spire!Choose your cards wisely! Discover hundreds of cards to add to your deck with each attempt at climbing the Spire. Select cards that work together to efficiently dispatch foes and reach the topWhenever you embark on a journey up the Spire, the layout differs each time. Choose a risky or safe path, face different enemies, choose different cards, discover different relics, and even fight different bosses!Powerful items known as relics can be found throughout the Spire. The effects of these relics can greatly enhance your deck through powerful interactions. But beware, obtaining a relic may cost you more than just gold…
