Info about Monster Train: Official game description: Hell has frozen over. Only you can protect the final burning pyre from the forces of heaven and restore the inferno. Monster Train brings a new strategic layer to roguelike deck building, with three vertical play fields to defend. Visit powerful locations ------------------------ To take back hell, you’ll need to power up. Choose your route carefully, different locations give different benefits; upgrade your champion, recruit powerful units, upgrade cards, gain passive bonuses or duplicate any card in your deck. Strategize to fit your playstyle -------------------------------- With five clans to choose from, each has its own unique and surprising gameplay. Pick your primary and supporting clan to gain access to all cards from both. During your run you will be able to improve cards by mixing and matching upgrades to open up new roads to victory. You can even duplicate your favourite card at special map nodes before facing off against the final boss. No playthrough is ever the same ------------------------------- **You’ll never play the same deck twice!** * Over 220 cards, build up your deck from 10 different starterdecks * 5 monster clans with each very different gameplay * Each clan has 10 levels to unlock, bringing new cards to your deck * Upgrade your clan specific champion multiple times * Mod support through Steam Workshop * Upgrade any card twice * More than 21 unique random events * 25 covenant (difficulty) levels Multiplayer ----------- **HELL RUSH** In the Hell Rush multiplayer mode, eight players compete in a frantic real time contest. Each player has the same resources and opponents to create a level playing field. With the clock ticking it’s a test of who can make the best decisions under pressure. Only a true speed demon can remain undefeated. **DAILY CHALLENGE** Take on a new challenge every day with a hugely modified run due to gameplay mutators. Compete globally and against friends, and climb the leaderboards with a skill-focused scoring system. **CUSTOM CHALLENGE** Design your own unique challenge and share it with friends. Each custom challenge has its own leaderboard so you can send your friends straight to hell. Content updates --------------- **FRIENDS & FOES UPDATE** The exiled champions have returned to the fold to battle the forces of heaven. This second major update for Monster Train adds new champions, new bosses, new cards, and new artifacts, which combine together to add a significant amount of new strategic options and replayability. We’ve also added a number of frequently requested player features like a personal run records page in the Logbook, an enemy wave counter in battle, and a preview of the ring 3 and ring 6 bosses at the start of a run. **WILD MUTATIONS UPDATE** This content updates the train tracks with 35 new mutators, new difficulty settings for experienced players and new simple ways to challenge friends and community. **HERZAL'S WORKSHOP UPDATE** Mod support! Release date: May 21, 2020 Categories: Deckbuilding, Roguelike, Tower Defense, Strategy, Multiplayer, Mod Support, Endgame Content, Progression System Feature scans: - MTX: score 55; verdict: Mixed; summary: The analysis of user reviews reveals several key themes related to the game's monetization and developer support. Notably, there is significant criticism regarding the developers abandoning the game after releasing a DLC, which is perceived as a cash grab. The DLC mechanics, which increase difficulty based on rewards, are also a point of contention. Additionally, there are complaints about the game being overpriced. However, there are also positive reviews highlighting the value added by the DLC, including new factions and mechanics. - Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience reveals several critical issues. Significant battery drain and stability issues, such as black screens and game launch problems, are the most severe concerns. Additionally, users have reported difficulties with small text size and a need for better optimization for the Steam Deck. These issues collectively impact the overall user experience negatively. - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: - Community fair range: $1.50 - $3.00 - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users find the game highly valuable and enjoyable, especially when purchased at a discounted price. The majority of positive reviews mention prices around $1.5 to $3 as being excellent value for the amount of content and replayability offered. Some users even suggest that the game is worth the full price, but the consensus leans heavily towards the game being a great purchase at a significant discount. - Playtime Metrics: - Game completion: 200.0h - Story completion: N/A - Session length: 2.0h - Endgame: 100.0h - Reasoning: The evidence provides several data points regarding playtime. One user mentions binge-playing the game until a sequel comes out, suggesting a significant investment of time. Another user mentions playing for over 10 hours and still discovering mechanics, indicating a lengthy engagement. A different user explicitly states their playtime as 204.7 hours, which is a clear indicator of the time required for substantial progress or completion. Additionally, the mention of getting 10 more hours out of the game suggests that even after significant playtime, there is still more content to explore. These points collectively suggest that the game offers extensive playtime, with users often investing hundreds of hours to fully experience the content. - Time-to-fun: - Summary: Monster Train is fun immediately and becomes even more enjoyable as players unlock more content and understand the game mechanics better. - Stance: Fun immediately - Anchor: N/A - Time to anchor: 0h 0m - Friction: Steep learning curve for mastering complex faction interactions; Repetitive enemies; Occasionally steep learning curve - Unlock drivers: Unlocking more cards and clans; Progression system; Gradual introduction of new concepts - Conditions: Satisfying and powerful combos; Good variety of enemies, cards, and special abilities; Nice graphics and music; Quick and fun runs; Accessible learning curve for newcomers - Player Archetypes: - Deck-Building Strategist (buy) - Motivation: Strategic depth and variety in deck-building. - Playstyle: Enjoys creating and experimenting with different deck combinations and strategies. - Experience: veteran - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: deck-building fans; strategy gamers - Reference games: Slay the Spire; Inscription - Genre Newcomer (sale) - Motivation: Accessibility and ease of entry into the deck-building genre. - Playstyle: Learning and experimenting with basic deck-building mechanics. - Experience: newcomer - Purchase stance: sale - Labels: newcomers; casual players - Reference games: Slay the Spire - Casual Relaxer (sale) - Motivation: Relaxation and casual enjoyment. - Playstyle: Plays for short, relaxing sessions without intense focus. - Experience: mixed - Purchase stance: sale - Labels: casual gamers; relaxation seekers - Reference games: N/A Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Highly praised roguelike deckbuilder (weight 0.52): The game is frequently described as one of the best roguelike deckbuilders, combining elements of card games and roguelikes. It is recommended for fans of both genres and praised for its engaging and strategic gameplay. - Fun and enjoyable gameplay (weight 0.37): Players find the game fun and entertaining, with many describing it as enjoyable and addicting. The gameplay is easy to learn and offers various ways to play, making it accessible and engaging. - Variety of combinations and strategies (weight 0.32): The game offers a huge amount of possible combinations and strategies, providing players with diverse gameplay options. The variety in clan combinations and deck-building strategies adds depth and creativity to the game. - High replayability (weight 0.23): The game offers high replay value, with players noting its addictive nature and the extensive playtime it provides. Daily challenges and multiplayer racing modes contribute to its replayability. - Beautiful artwork and graphics (weight 0.23): The game is praised for its beautiful artwork and excellent graphics. Players appreciate the attractive and charming visuals, as well as the great art direction. - Unique mechanics and gameplay (weight 0.2): The game is praised for its unique mechanics and interesting gameplay concepts. Players appreciate the unique and varied mechanics that set it apart from other games in the genre. - Fast-paced and addictive (weight 0.17): The gameplay is described as fast-paced and addictive, with players finding it engaging and challenging. The quick and satisfying gameplay loops contribute to its addictive nature. - Randomness in each run (weight 0.15): Each run in the game offers a unique experience due to randomized elements such as enemies and starting cards. This randomness ensures that no two runs are the same, adding to the game's replayability. - Combination of tower defense and card game (weight 0.14): The game uniquely combines elements of tower defense and card games, creating a creative and enjoyable mix. Players appreciate the unique combat system that blends these genres. - Easy to learn and play (weight 0.12): The game is noted for being easy to learn and pick up, with a light learning curve. Players find it accessible and easy to get started, making it suitable for both casual and experienced gamers. - Variety of clans and strategies (weight 0.12): The game features a variety of clans, each offering different strategies and synergies. This diversity in deck-building and tactics adds depth and replayability to the game. - Recommended DLC (weight 0.12): The DLC for the game is highly recommended, with players noting that it adds more content and gameplay options. The DLC is considered worthwhile and enjoyable. - Worth the purchase (weight 0.12): Players find the game worth buying, noting that it offers good value for the price. The game is considered a solid purchase, especially when on sale. - Suitable for short gaming sessions (weight 0.1): The game can be played in short bursts, making it suitable for quick gaming sessions. Players appreciate the ability to enjoy the game in short windows of time. Common complaints: - Excessive randomness affects gameplay (weight 0.34): Many players feel that the game relies too heavily on randomness, leading to unfair outcomes and a lack of strategic depth. This includes complaints about too many junk cards and high dependence on luck. - High difficulty and reliance on luck (weight 0.16): The game's high difficulty is often attributed to an over-reliance on luck rather than skill or strategy, making it frustrating for many players. - Repetitive and dull gameplay (weight 0.13): Players find the gameplay repetitive and boring, lacking the depth and variety needed to keep it engaging over time. - Less balanced than Slay the Spire (weight 0.12): Comparisons to Slay the Spire highlight that this game lacks the same level of balance and depth, making it feel inferior. - Balancing and difficulty issues (weight 0.1): Players report weird balancing and difficulty scaling issues, which can make the game feel unfair and poorly designed. - Lack of story and content (weight 0.08): Players feel that the game lacks a compelling story and sufficient content, making it feel shallow and not worth the price. - Grinding and limited deckbuilding (weight 0.08): The game requires excessive grinding and offers limited deckbuilding options, which can make progression feel tedious and unrewarding. - Ads and mobile game feel (weight 0.07): The presence of ads on the homescreen and the game's resemblance to a generic mobile game detract from the overall experience. - Game instability and crashes (weight 0.07): Some players report issues with game stability, including crashes and balance problems that affect the overall experience. - Limited synergy between clans (weight 0.07): Players note that there is limited synergy between different clan combinations, which can make deckbuilding feel restrictive and less strategic. - Lack of enemy variety (weight 0.05): The game suffers from a lack of enemy variety, which contributes to the repetitive and dull gameplay experience. - Overpowered clan combinations (weight 0.04): Certain clan combinations are overpowered, breaking the game's balance and making some strategies far more effective than others. - Developer abandonment (weight 0.04): Players feel that the developers have abandoned the game, focusing on new projects instead of supporting and improving this one. - Language support issues (weight 0.04): The game lacks official support for certain languages, such as Spanish, which can be a significant drawback for non-English speaking players. Gameplay feedback: - Multiple clans with unique mechanics (weight 0.41): The game features multiple clans, each with unique cards, skills, and passive abilities, allowing for varied strategies and playstyles. - Deck-building and combination mechanics (weight 0.31): Players can build and manage decks, combining different cards and strategies for synergistic effects. - Hybrid tower defense and deckbuilding (weight 0.22): The game combines tower defense mechanics with deckbuilding elements, creating a unique blend of strategic gameplay. - Progression and unlock systems (weight 0.21): The game includes a progression system with meta-progression, unlockable cards, artifacts, and champions, enhancing replayability. - Vertical train combat system (weight 0.16): Combat takes place on a vertical battlefield with multiple floors, adding a unique strategic element to the gameplay. - Challenging difficulty levels (weight 0.15): The game offers a range of difficulty settings, providing a challenging experience for players. - Fast-paced and variable runs (weight 0.14): Game runs are quick, typically taking around 45 minutes to an hour, with high variability in each run. - Strategic multi-level combat (weight 0.07): Combat involves strategic planning across multiple levels or floors, adding depth to the gameplay. - Unique unit mechanics (weight 0.07): The game features unique unit mechanics, including buffing and special effects, which add to the strategic depth. - Defending a hellish train (weight 0.07): The game's setting involves defending a train traveling through hell, adding a unique theme to the gameplay. - Monster summoning and combat (weight 0.07): Players can summon monsters and engage in combat with various enemies, adding to the game's strategic elements. - Enemy progression mechanics (weight 0.07): Enemies start from the bottom and work their way upwards, culminating in a final boss battle. Performance notes: - Game crashes and instability (weight 0.12): Many players report frequent crashes, freezes, and instability issues, including the game hanging on startup or getting stuck on loading screens. This significantly impacts the gameplay experience. - Streaming and performance issues (weight 0.05): Players have noted problems with streaming quality and overall game performance. Some users experience black screen issues and other graphical problems. - Steam Deck optimization needed (weight 0.05): There are multiple requests for better optimization of the game for Steam Deck. Players have mentioned specific issues related to playing the game on this platform. - Frame rate and power limit (weight 0.03): A few players have mentioned issues related to the game's frame rate being limited to 30fps and power limit settings affecting performance. Recommendations: - Worth buying, especially on discount (weight 0.15): The game is considered worth buying, particularly when available at a discounted price. This makes it a good value purchase. - Recommended for Slay the Spire fans (weight 0.11): This game is highly recommended for players who enjoy Slay the Spire and similar deck-building roguelikes. It offers a familiar yet unique experience that fans of the genre will appreciate. - Must-play for deck-building fans (weight 0.11): Fans of deck-building and strategy games are strongly encouraged to try this game. It provides a rich and engaging experience tailored to their preferences. - Highly recommended game (weight 0.09): The game comes highly recommended, especially for fans of strategic and exciting games. It is suggested to purchase it on sale for better value. - Unique and addictive gameplay (weight 0.09): The game offers a unique and addictive gameplay experience, making it suitable for players looking for something innovative and challenging. - Monster Train series recommended (weight 0.09): The Monster Train series is recommended for its depth and variety. Some suggest trying Monster Train 2 over the original for an enhanced experience. - Recommended for genre fans (weight 0.07): The game is recommended for fans of strategy, card games, and roguelike genres. It is particularly appealing to those who enjoy roguelite card battlers. - Recommended despite sequel existence (weight 0.07): The game is recommended even though there is a sequel available. Players are encouraged to try both the original and its sequel. - Unique and deep strategy (weight 0.05): The game features unique and deep strategy elements, providing a fun and engaging gameplay experience. - Challenging and varied gameplay (weight 0.05): The game is suitable for players who enjoy high difficulty and strategic depth. It offers a challenging and varied gameplay experience. - Suitable for casual gaming (weight 0.05): The game is suitable for casual gaming, even while multitasking. It is also good for short gaming sessions during breaks. - Exciting roguelike experience (weight 0.03): The game offers an exciting roguelike experience, making it a great choice for fans of the genre. - Recommended for beginners (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for beginners, providing an accessible entry point into the genre. - Try even if unsure (weight 0.03): Players are encouraged to try the game even if they are unsure about the genre. It offers a unique experience that might appeal to a wide range of players. Other player notes: - Relaxing gameplay elements (weight 0.03): Players found certain in-game items, such as dried fish and yogurt drink, to be relaxing. - DLC mentioned (weight 0.03): A player mentioned the DLC, though no specific details or opinions were provided. - Mention of Humble Choice bundle (weight 0.02): A player mentioned the Humble Choice bundle, possibly indicating how they acquired the game. - Reference to external content (weight 0.02): A player referred to a YouTube channel for more reviews, suggesting they are looking for additional content or opinions about the game. Emotions: - Enjoyment (weight 0.25): Players enjoy the game due to its rich and diverse gameplay, which includes well-developed classes, unique mechanics, and an interesting storyline. The game's addictive nature, high replay value, and strategic depth, similar to Slay the Spire, contribute significantly to this enjoyment. - Excitement (weight 0.18): The excitement stems from the game's unique mechanics, such as combining tower defense with card game elements, and the discovery of powerful synergies and combinations. The anticipation for a sequel and the enjoyment of fast-paced, addictive gameplay also contribute to this excitement. - Frustration (weight 0.16): Frustration is primarily caused by game balance issues, excessive randomness, and technical bugs. Players also find certain bosses unfair and the difficulty progression poorly managed, leading to a high level of frustration. - Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Players feel satisfied with the game's strategic depth, variety in gameplay, and the ability to achieve powerful states easily. The game's unique mechanics, good UI/UX, and high replay value also contribute to this satisfaction. - Disappointment (weight 0.06): Disappointment arises from the lack of strategic depth, repetitive gameplay, and limited deckbuilding options. Some players also feel that the game does not live up to the standards set by similar games like Slay the Spire. - Joy (weight 0.06): Joy is derived from the enjoyable gameplay mechanics, unique and interesting mechanics, and the fun of building crazy builds. The game's beautiful artwork, good music, and variety of cards also contribute to this joy. - Positive (weight 0.06): Players have a positive experience due to the game's enjoyable and strategic gameplay mechanics. The game's complexity, daily challenges, and strategic options are also highlighted as positive aspects. - Addiction (weight 0.02): The game's highly enjoyable and engaging gameplay loop, along with its strategic depth, makes it incredibly addictive. Players find themselves compelled to keep playing due to the game's engaging mechanics. - Excited (weight 0.01): Players are excited by the gameplay mechanics, replayability, and the thrill of raising powerful units. The game's achievements and daily challenges also add to the excitement. - Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is driven by the game's depth and design, leading to an overall positive experience. Players highly recommend the game, especially for fans of the genre. - Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the game's unexpectedly engaging gameplay and how it exceeded their expectations. Some players enjoyed it despite not usually liking roguelikes. - Relaxation (weight 0.01): The game provides a less serious and relaxing gameplay experience, making it enjoyable to play casually, often with snacks. - Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the game's unique presentation and concept, as well as its depth and replayability. Comparisons to Slay the Spire also highlight the game's strengths. - Nostalgia (weight 0.01): The game evokes nostalgia by reminding players of past gameplay experiences, particularly those similar to Slay the Spire. - Disappointed (weight 0.01): Disappointment is caused by issues such as developer behavior, game abandonment, and multiplayer problems. - Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players express gratitude for friends gifting the game and appreciation for the developers' efforts. - Concern (weight 0.01): Concerns arise from inappropriate content for children and potential issues with randomness at higher difficulties. - Interest (weight 0.01): The game's unique and imaginative concept sparks interest, along with curiosity about different builds and meditative gameplay. - Negative (weight 0): Negative feelings stem from the game's issues, leading players to feel it may not be worth the money spent. - Curiosity (weight 0): Curiosity is piqued by comparisons to other games, such as 'Koutetsujou no Kabaneri'.}