Across the Obelisk: Nenukil, the Engineer Review Summary

The DLC character brings diverse, rewarding playstyles and a fun unique shooting mechanic, but the new hero feels underpowered, overcomplicated, and confusing, so it is widely not recommended.

DLC character offers diverse playstyles: The new character provides multiple unique build paths, including fast-stacking melee, mixed melee/ranged DPS, and tanky thorns/evasion setups. This versatility keeps gameplay fresh and rewarding.

Interesting and rewarding character: The DLC character is considered interesting, nuanced, and rewarding for those who master his mechanics. His learning curve is satisfying.

Gun mechanics add design space: The introduction of gun cards and shooting mechanics expands the game's design possibilities and is seen as a fun new direction. This innovation is appreciated by players.

Strong builds with fortify thorns: Builds utilizing fortify or thorns capstones scale very well and can be extremely powerful, even one-shotting enemies in early acts. This makes the character highly effective.

Scout role well implemented: The character excels as a scout with new mechanics, filling a needed niche and receiving positive attention. Scouts are finally getting the focus they deserve.

Nenukil underpowered and weak: Many reviewers state Nenukil is the worst hero, significantly weaker than other characters, with low damage output and poor performance across modes. He is described as underwhelming and not fun to play.

Speed scaling mechanic flawed: The speed-stacking build is difficult to pull off, requiring rare cards like Setup, and excess speed provides no benefit because the character cannot act multiple times per turn. Fast stacks disappear all at once, and Rocket Boots removes all Fast at the end of the turn, undermining the build.

Overcomplicated and confusing design: The character is overcomplicated, with a self-contradictory kit that feels like a weird mishmash. His mechanic is essentially a debuff, and his unique portions do not make up for it.

Ranged attack restriction: Despite being a Ranger class, the character can only play one ranged attack per turn, which undermines his innate energy cost reduction and makes his starting deck weak. This restriction is seen as counterintuitive and limits damage potential.

Poor early game performance: Nenukil is a late bloomer who performs very badly early on, with weak early gameplay and a ramp-up until level 3 that is not fun. His later level-up effects are integral to making builds work, which is problematic.

Nenukil's Reload mechanic: Nenukil can only use one ranged attack per turn due to a Reload debuff, which limits his early game. This mechanic is central to his unique playstyle and requires careful deck building.

Two main build paths: The character can be built as a ranged damage dealer focusing on speed and explosive shots, or as a tank utilizing thorns and caltrops. Both paths have distinct perk trees and card synergies.

Fast stacks disappear: Fast stacks, which are crucial for speed builds, are lost at the start of the turn or when using Rocket Boots. This creates a cyclical gameplay where players must reapply them each turn.

Thorns tank build: A defensive build centered on Thorns and counterattacks is viable, often using Caltrops, Stoneskin, and Proximity Mines. It requires specific items and works well with certain teammates.

Scout class with new mechanics: Nenukil is a scout class with unique gun and reload mechanics, adding a new dimension to the game. The DLC also introduces a robot pet and new tools.

New hero widely not recommended: Many reviewers explicitly advise against buying or picking up the new hero or DLC. Common reasons include poor performance, lack of viability, and feeling not worth the price.

Conditional recommendation for fun: While performance is criticized, some reviewers recommend the hero for fun or for players seeking a fresh experience. Others suggest waiting for a sale.

Hero needs buffs and reworks: Reviewers request significant buffs, reworks, or revamps to make the character viable. Suggestions include dual-class options, easier speed-stacking, and more usable cards.

Not versatile, best as support: The hero is seen as niche and not versatile, performing better as a support or off-tank rather than a DPS. Reviewers suggest alternative characters like Sylvie or Gustav.

High skill floor deters new players: The character is not recommended for newcomers due to a high skill floor. Reviewers warn that it requires significant effort to learn.

Community fair range: $15.00 - $25.00.

Deck-Synergy Theorycrafter: Tests deck combinations, tank variants, and role fit before deciding whether a character is viable. Motivation: Optimizing card synergies and resource economy to make unconventional builds work. Stance: sale.

Challenge-Seeking Veteran: Learns complex kits through repeated practice and seeks rewarding mastery. Motivation: Mastering difficult, puzzle-like characters and overcoming high skill floors. Stance: buy.

Discerning DLC Value Skeptic: Checks developer plans, role performance, and mechanic coherence before buying or recommending. Motivation: Getting coherent, fun DLC design and fair value for money. Stance: no buy.

Monetization: The reviews discuss traditional DLC pricing/content ideas and the value of one DLC character. They do not contain direct evidence of predatory monetization such as real-money gacha, loot boxes, pay-to-win, currency obfuscation, or convenience items. Any concerns are limited to DLC pricing and subjective character quality.

Character weaker than other DLCs: Reviewers compare the character unfavorably to other DLC characters such as Yogg, Amelia, Gustave, and two holy-dark female knights. These alternatives are considered to offer more options and synergy.

Character DLC monetization concerns: Players criticize the game's extensive DLC model, particularly selling individual characters as separate purchases. This approach is seen as fragmenting content and potentially over-monetizing the roster.

Developer refuses character rework: The lead developer has confirmed that the character will not be reworked despite player feedback. This indicates a firm stance on the character's current design and balance.

Character lacks potency and options: The character is seen as lacking potency compared to other scouts and rogues in the base game. Players feel it brings fewer viable options and less synergy to the team.

DLC price versus content value: Reviewers question whether the character DLC justifies its price relative to the content offered. The inclusion of a new pet, skins, and perks is noted but may not fully address value concerns.