Info about HELLCARD - Bruja, the Blood Witch:

Official game description:
Bruja the Blood Witch threads the needle between light and darkness. She cajoles power from ancient gods and flits away from their retribution. Saps lifeforce and strength from enemies and pays the price in blood. Turns weakness into strength and strength into weakness again.  
This DLC includes:  
*   A new playable class: Bruja  
*   106 new cards (including 14 unlockable ones)  
*   8 new class-specific artifacts  
*   5 new outfits  
*   20 unlockable voice lines  
*   9 unlockable emotes  
*   New class-specific location: The Altair
Bruja will also be available to everyone as a companion in the single-player, regardless of DLC ownership.

Release date: Aug 22, 2024

Categories: Roguelike Deckbuilder, Card-based Combat, Cooperative Multiplayer, High Risk vs Reward Gameplay, Class-based Combat, Deckbuilding


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The only numeric durations are '2 runs' and a cooking-joke '45 minutes'; neither is an hours-based playtime report for the target DLC. The remaining comments discuss mechanics, character quality, translation, and DLC loading, not completion time, story length, session duration, or endgame hours. Therefore all playtime metrics are unsupported and set to null.
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes:
  - Complex-Class Build Experimenter (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering a demanding class and exploring unconventional build options in PvE.
    - Playstyle: Tests complex character mechanics, tries risky self-damage builds, and uses singleplayer companion mode to experiment.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Co-op Social Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: Having shared fun with friends while exploring a new character mechanic.
    - Playstyle: Plays cooperatively with friends and eases into unfamiliar class mechanics through social play.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Deck-Limit Design Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Wants card-play freedom and fair boss design without restrictive turn limits.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on card sequencing and dislikes bosses that cap cards played per turn.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - 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:
- Bruja class highly fun (weight 0.62): Multiple players find the Bruja class extremely fun to play, particularly once players adapt to its self-sacrifice playstyle. The class is repeatedly described as fun.
- Unique and interesting mechanics (weight 0.61): The new class introduces unique mechanics that players find interesting and mechanically distinct. Many highlight the novel approach to gameplay as a key strength.
- Great DLC addition (weight 0.6): The DLC is praised as a solid and valuable addition to an already great game. Players specifically call out the Witch DLC as very good with high playability and strength.
- Overpowered builds and combos (weight 0.51): Several players report powerful builds like blood-selling, retaliation, and survival shield that feel overpowered. The character can easily set up infinite combos granting huge resources.
- High risk high reward (weight 0.44): The grace-gain-or-die concept and health-as-a-resource mechanic create a thrilling high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Players enjoy the tension of risking health to gain power.
- Reasonable pricing and unlockables (weight 0.39): Unlockables are priced fairly, the DLC price is reasonable, and the upgrade was included with the supporter pack at no extra cost. No PSN account is required.
- Insane damage output possible (weight 0.35): The Bruja can produce insane damage, satisfying players who enjoy big numbers. With RNG luck, area attacks can quickly wipe out entire groups of mobs.
- One-shot builds discovered (weight 0.34): Reviewers discovered multiple powerful builds that can one-shot bosses on turn 1, including the pope, and instakill many enemies with a single card. The reckoning deck enables these strategies.
- Self-damage cannot kill (weight 0.33): Self-damaging cards and reckoning status cannot kill the player, always leaving them at 1HP. This enables safe low-health playstyles and aggressive self-damage strategies.
- Specific card synergies (weight 0.31): Cards like Wrathstealer, Hollow Blade, and Malfeasance enable powerful interactions, such as converting incoming damage into reckoning damage. These synergies support strong builds.
- Max health and missing health strategies (weight 0.3): Spamming max health increase and using cards that deal damage based on missing health are effective strategies. Wendigo is noted as a good early game healing card.
- Fun with friends (weight 0.24): Players find the game great fun, especially when playing with friends. The cooperative experience enhances enjoyment.
- Deck optimization fun (weight 0.23): Players enjoy discovering and optimizing card deck combinations, finding fun in building effective synergies. There are plenty of cards to experiment with.
- Solid base game (weight 0.14): The base game is described as amazing and great, providing a strong foundation for the DLC.
- Violent healing loop (weight 0.13): The violent loop with void blade can kill everything from low to high while healing, providing a sustainable and powerful strategy.
- Tanky retaliation build (weight 0.13): The ice heart ogre-glass caltrops build tanks retribution with shields and converts defense into attack, offering a durable playstyle.
- Halloween skin praised (weight 0.12): The Halloween skin is described as spookily beautiful, adding cosmetic appeal.
- Singleplayer companion available (weight 0.12): The character is available as a companion in singleplayer, enhancing the solo experience.
- Final boss manageable solo (weight 0.12): Fighting the final boss alone is manageable, making the game accessible for solo players.
- More enjoyable than Tinkerer (weight 0.12): The character is considered more enjoyable than the Tinkerer, appealing to fans of the self-harm wizard build.

Common complaints:
- Character unlock too late (weight 0.43): The character unlocks only after completing the first playthrough or beating three bosses, making the game unsuitable for newcomers and a paid character unusable until then.
- Controversial health-card mechanic (weight 0.41): Cards are played at the cost of health that must be healed by other cards, which can add negative statuses removed by yet other cards triggered by a counter, creating a complex and annoying loop.
- Character boring and overpriced (weight 0.37): Players find the character a bit boring and not worth the price, with very bad balance.
- Upgrades worsen cards (weight 0.36): For this class, upgrading cards makes them worse by increasing cost while reducing damage; the middle upgrade card is objectively better than the highest tier, and random upgrades often target these worsened cards, making runs unfun.
- Gambling with reckoning cards (weight 0.36): Half the cards require gambling with reckoning but the payouts are deep in upgrades that may not be reached before bricking; skipping reckoning cards bricks damage potential by floor 5-7, while taking them often causes death on floors 5-7 because they are effectively curses waiting for a payout.
- Spanish localization incomplete (weight 0.35): Card descriptions in Spanish are incomplete and do not specify amounts, such as how much block is gained, forcing players to switch to English for accurate details.
- AOE causes excessive retribution damage (weight 0.35): After using AOE, the player takes 20+ retribution damage plus enemy damage each turn, leading to instant death without drawing Forgiveness cards; Forgiveness cards also add Black Bile curses to the draw pile, increasing bad draws and death.
- Limited build variety (weight 0.35): Card design forces players into one card type and lacks room to maneuver between builds; cards for a different build type are detrimental if taken, making it less fun than other characters.
- Localization keyword errors (weight 0.35): The Chinese localization lacks the 'exhaust' keyword, and two cards have mistranslated descriptions: actual effect is 'strive' but text says 'exhaust'; translation needs adjustment, particularly for block cards.
- Reckoning-Grace mechanic broken (weight 0.33): The Reckoning->Grace mechanic does not function as described, and legendary localization is misleading, indicating the game needed more testing before release.
- Bruja struggles at high difficulty (weight 0.33): Bruja becomes a slog at difficulty 17 after picking the monster health increase curse, unable to one-shot enemies and making long fights with the witch very weak.
- Bruja is half-baked (weight 0.26): The Bruja is half-baked, doing less damage on average than all other classes while mitigating problems caused by her own cards.
- Extreme RNG dependence (weight 0.25): Unless players get it right with extreme RNG, they deal either no damage or one-shot themselves, and the high risk, high reward design fails because decks cannot reliably be rigged for needed combos.
- Overthinking and capped skill ceiling (weight 0.25): The class forces overthinking each turn while other classes like the mage do more with fewer cards, and the skill ceiling feels artificially capped on Bruja's potential.
- DLC for hardcore players only (weight 0.23): The DLC is only for hardcore players who micromanage HP and is not fun for the reviewer.
- DLC not recognized or visible (weight 0.23): The DLC is not recognized and the character is not visible in game.
- Starting character slows early game (weight 0.14): The starting character noticeably slows the game down on early floors because its damage from basic cards is too low.
- DLC price excessive (weight 0.14): The DLC's price is considered excessive.
- Design ethos causes bloat (weight 0.14): The game's design ethos adds cool ideas with little testing, causing bloat.
- Build trivializes bosses but bores friends (weight 0.13): A specific build one-hits all bosses on turn 1, making friends extremely bored.

Gameplay feedback:
- Health as a resource (weight 0.95): The Bruja class uses health as a resource, spending it on cards and restoring it through others. Players must carefully manage HP and self-inflicted wounds to survive.
- Reckoning and grace mechanics (weight 0.74): The Bruja's unique mechanic involves building up reckoning damage and gaining grace to avoid dying. This creates a high-risk, high-reward playstyle focused on self-harm.
- Witch character with blood-selling (weight 0.66): The DLC adds a Witch character who uses blood-selling mechanics and supports a self-harm wizard build. She is considered significantly stronger than the starting three characters.
- Card upgrade system (weight 0.58): Cards can be upgraded to increase cost, change damage, or unlock payouts, with random upgrades targeting specific cards. Some cards have upgrade paths like leeches to Hollow Blade.
- Damage and healing card interactions (weight 0.53): Some cards deal self-damage for strong effects, while others provide healing or generate block. Cards like Teeth Necklace can heal, and damage can be based on missing health.
- Character unlock conditions (weight 0.41): A character is unlocked only after completing the first playthrough, and another requires beating three bosses. The unlock system is tied to game completion.
- Curse and negative status mechanics (weight 0.41): Healing cards can add negative statuses like Black Bile curses, which are removed by other cards. Deck building involves the risk of adding curses through forgiveness cards.
- Complex interdependent mechanics (weight 0.39): The game involves juggling several mechanics that are dependent on each other, creating a complex and unique gameplay experience. Players must manage multiple systems simultaneously.
- Diverse character classes (weight 0.39): The game features multiple character classes such as Bruja, mage, and tinker, with five currently available heroes. Each class has unique mechanics and card builds.
- Specific build strategies (weight 0.37): Players can adopt various strategies like wrathstealer, hollow blade, and malfeasance, or retribution-forgiveness and void blade with healing. Deck optimization and combination are key.
- Specific named cards and mechanics (weight 0.35): The game includes specific cards like Culling, Choir of Agony, and Wendigo, which restore mana based on judgment. Black Bile and salt ring are other named mechanics.
- Co-op multiplayer support (weight 0.33): The game supports co-op play with friends, and the new character can be used as a companion in singleplayer. This adds a social dimension to the deckbuilder.
- Card text and effects clarity (weight 0.28): Cards have text descriptions that specify effects and numeric values, helping players understand mechanics. Exhaust effects and draw pile manipulation are also present.
- Retribution and AOE attacks (weight 0.22): Combat includes AOE attacks that trigger retribution damage, and the Bruja class has area attacks. These mechanics add strategic depth to encounters.
- RNG-dependent performance (weight 0.22): The Bruja's performance depends partly on RNG luck, which can affect consistency. Draw pile manipulation can also cause bad draws.
- Self-damage safety and mitigation (weight 0.22): Self-damage cannot kill you, and cards can postpone death or mitigate damage received. This allows for aggressive self-harm strategies without immediate lethal risk.
- Difficulty curse and boss restrictions (weight 0.21): A difficulty curse increases monster health, and a final boss limits cards played per turn. These elements add challenge to the game.
- Divination card draw (weight 0.21): The divination technique draws cards without adding cost, providing a support mechanic for certain classes. This aids in deck cycling and combo setup.
- Bruja's low early damage (weight 0.14): The Bruja character deals overly low damage with basic cards on the first floors, making early progression challenging. This is a balancing concern for the class.
- Card end-of-turn damage (weight 0.12): Some cards hurt you at the end of the turn, adding a timing element to self-damage management. Players must plan around these delayed effects.

Performance notes:
- DLC ownership not recognized (weight 0.13): A player reports that purchased DLC is not being detected, resulting in the associated character being unavailable or invisible. This suggests an entitlement or content-loading issue tied to DLC ownership.

Recommendations:
- Bruja class highly recommended (weight 0.33): Multiple players recommend trying the Bruja class and the self-harm wizard build. They also dismiss complaints about self-damaging cards as a skill issue.
- DLC recommended for strength and playability (weight 0.32): Some players highly recommend the DLC, citing its high playability and strong builds. Others advise against buying it, but the positive feedback is specific.
- Mixed overall recommendations (weight 0.3): While some players highly recommend the game, others do not recommend it due to poor class design and overall game design issues. Purchase advice is also conditional on character availability.
- Recommendations for co-op play (weight 0.25): Players recommend the game especially when played with friends, although solo play is possible. Co-op is highlighted as a strong point.
- Not for newcomers or specific heroes (weight 0.22): Feedback indicates the game is not suitable as a starting point for newcomers. Additionally, one hero is not recommended, especially due to a final boss that limits cards played per turn.

Other player notes:
- Mixed reception of DLC (weight 0.3): While one reviewer considers the DLC the best, others feel the Engineer character is more interesting or enjoy the Bruja more than the Tinkerer.
- Bruja DLC balance criticized (weight 0.25): The Bruja character is compared unfavorably to the mage class, requiring more effort for less damage and having less flexible build options than other characters.
- Paid character accessibility concerns (weight 0.23): The new character is sold as paid DLC and requires beating the game to unlock, which some players find restrictive.
- Localization bug in card descriptions (weight 0.13): Spanish localization of card descriptions is broken, though English descriptions are properly specified.
- DLC includes Halloween skin (weight 0.12): The DLC comes with a Halloween skin, as noted by a reviewer.
- Class sold as DLC (weight 0.11): The class is sold as DLC, which is a point of contention for some players.
- Supporter pack includes upgrade (weight 0.11): The game offers a supporter pack that includes an upgrade, as mentioned in a review.
- No PSN account required (weight 0.11): A PSN account is not required to play, which is a positive for some players.
- Tinkerer achievements on release (weight 0.11): The Tinkerer received achievements upon release, unlike some other characters.
- Bruja DLC received as gift (weight 0.09): One reviewer received the Bruja DLC as a gift from a friend.
- Reviewer not yet mastered DLC (weight 0.09): The reviewer admits they have not yet fully mastered the DLC character.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.22): Players are frustrated by poor localization and missing card details, especially in Spanish, which make mechanics unclear. The Bruja class suffers from bad balance, extreme RNG, and low base damage that lead to frequent deaths, self-one-shots, and unfun runs. Locked characters and broken DLC further compound the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): Disappointment stems from the Bruja class feeling boring, underwhelming, and not worth the price, with weak cards and a lack of a real engine. The DLC is considered overpriced and the character is less fun compared to others. Self-harm mechanics that don't pay off add to the letdown.
- Amusement (weight 0.08): Players find amusement in the risk of spending health as a resource, the hilarity of one-shotting bosses on turn one, and overpowered blood-selling or shield builds. Co-op play with friends also provides laughs.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Satisfaction comes from builds that convert incoming damage into reckoning damage for easy wins, and from enjoying multiple playstyles and deck combinations. Reasonable pricing without extra upgrade costs or PSN requirements also contributes.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.06): Dissatisfaction arises from upgrades that increase cost but lower damage, and a design ethos that adds untested ideas leading to bloat. Restrictive card design and lack of build flexibility also drive this feeling.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Enjoyment is found in the Bruja's interesting self-bleed and heal gameplay, which becomes fun once players get used to self-sacrifice. The self-harm wizard build and singleplayer companion availability add to the enjoyment.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Excitement is generated by discovering powerful builds, mastering difficult mechanics, and exploiting overpowered infinite combo potential. The new class is seen as super unique and mechanically interesting.
- Fun (weight 0.04): Fun comes from playing the Bruja class with its big damage numbers and high risk/high reward gameplay.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Annoyance is caused by the convoluted mechanic of spending health on cards, healing it back, and managing stacked negative statuses. Having to finish the game to unlock something is also irritating.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation is expressed for the unique mechanics and solid addition the new content brings to an already amazing game.
- Caution (weight 0.02): Caution is advised because localization misleadingly describes the mechanic, which may confuse players.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom results from the DLC's focus on meticulous HP management, which some players find tedious.
- Scammed (weight 0.02): Players feel scammed when they pay for a character that requires beating three bosses to unlock.
- Overwhelmed (weight 0.02): The character's mechanics require too much thinking, leaving players feeling overwhelmed.
- Helplessness (weight 0.02): Helplessness occurs when players don't know how to play the character and feel it only works at low difficulty.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is directed at the Halloween skin, which players find spookily beautiful.
- Curiosity (weight 0.02): Curiosity drives players who are still discovering and optimizing the DLC.
- Contentment (weight 0.02): Contentment comes from enjoying the Witch mechanic.
- Thrill (weight 0.02): Thrill is experienced from the high power and sudden death risk of the character's playstyle.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is high because the new character has interesting mechanics and the game offers plenty of content at a fair price.}