Cardaclysm
- February 26, 2021
- Elder Games
- 10h median play time
Get on Steam"Cardaclysm: Shards of the Four" is a single-player fantasy turn-based strategy game with splendid mechanics and stellar graphics. As a dark wizard who has unleashed the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, collect and use over 200 unique cards and 40 artifacts to battle bosses and prevent the Apocalypse. The game's procedurally generated world offers endless exploration. Masterful music and a risk of grinding are also included.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox
Reviews
- The game features a delightful loop of collecting cards and equipment, making the gameplay addictive and visually rewarding.
- There is a lot of customization available, allowing players to build unique decks and strategies.
- The game is enjoyable for short bursts, making it easy to pick up and play without a significant time commitment.
- The game suffers from repetitive maps and a lack of depth, leading to a feeling of monotony after a few runs.
- There are significant balancing issues, particularly with resource management and the difficulty spike after the initial levels.
- The user interface and controls can feel clunky and unresponsive, detracting from the overall experience.
- gameplay54 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a mix of addictive mechanics and significant flaws, with many players enjoying the core deck-building and battling elements, while others criticize the reliance on luck and the lack of strategic depth. The integration of real-time navigation and additional mechanics has been seen as a detractor, complicating the experience and detracting from the overall enjoyment. While some appreciate the visuals and unique aspects, many agree that balancing issues and gameplay clarity need improvement for a more satisfying experience.
“The game's design ensures that even death is but a minor setback, contributing to an initially addictive gameplay experience.”
“The deck building and battling mechanics are solid, and there's enough variation to hold interest.”
“Addictive gameplay loop.”
“Furthermore, the choice to employ a 3D map feels like a misstep when a 2D environment with meticulously handcrafted levels could have served the game's mechanics more fittingly.”
“There is barely any strategy or gameplay; it's just grinding for no particular reward.”
“The core deckbuilding and fighting gameplay itself is inadequate and, most importantly, unfun for a game similar to 'Slay the Spire'.”
- graphics28 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their smart, simple art style that effectively conveys the game's atmosphere without feeling cheap, reminiscent of indie titles like "For the King." Players appreciate the vibrant colors, beautiful card designs, and well-executed animations, which enhance the overall experience. While some note minor issues with the UI and settings, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment.
“The graphics are smart; I'm not sure what you call that art style, but it reminds me of 'For the King.' It's simple, but strangely effective at portraying things well. The game feels indie without feeling cheap.”
“The graphics are fantastic; I love the design, and the map is lovely.”
“The graphics are colorful and vibrant; the card design is some of the best I've seen in a deckbuilder, and the RPG aspect of it (most notably the artifact equipment) shows promise.”
“Lovely atmosphere, but there are small problems with the UI and graphics settings (VSync).”
“The design of the graphics is eye-catching.”
- music21 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its soothing and immersive qualities, effectively complementing the game's atmosphere and visuals. While many players find the soundtrack to be pleasant and fitting for various environments, some note issues with repetitiveness and volume inconsistencies. Overall, the music contributes positively to the gaming experience, enhancing the enjoyment of the art and gameplay.
“The low poly art is pleasing to the eye and the music switches between relaxing and epic when appropriate.”
“The music really fits the feel of this game.”
“Together with the game's mesmerizing atmosphere and music and the random nature of these beautiful worlds, this is a game I 100% recommend.”
“To start off, everything about the game from gameplay to music is okay but not great in anything.”
“The music is relaxing; the few voiced lines in the tavern are jarring.”
“Sounds and music can be repetitive, and something is up with how loud it is sometimes.”
- grinding18 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the grinding aspect of the game is prevalent and often feels purposeless, with many players describing it as tedious and reminiscent of free mobile games. While some appreciate the potential for replayability and the fun in grinding for cards and resources, others find it excessively grindy, lacking meaningful rewards and strategy. Overall, the grinding experience is a significant point of contention, with mixed feelings about its enjoyment and necessity.
“There is zero purpose to grinding; the game limits you in so many ways.”
“There is barely any strategy or gameplay; it's just grinding for no particular reward.”
“The game also gets grindy to the point of feeling like a free mobile game port, as you spend hours trying to increase your reserve to play better creatures by collecting gold coins (usually around 2-3 in each map) and soul orbs (appearing once after playing many maps).”
- story17 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and largely serves as a framework for gameplay, featuring repetitive fetch quests and a lack of depth in narrative. Players engage with a few NPCs in a tavern who offer simple quests and trades, but the overall experience feels hollow and could benefit from a more developed storyline to enhance immersion. While the core mechanics are enjoyable, the absence of a compelling narrative means players are unlikely to be drawn in by the story alone.
“You can get quests there and go into new realms to battle monsters and grind to get new cards, gold, and more.”
“Just the same 3 'bring me mcguffin', 'slay 1 creature', 'slay 3 creatures' quests over and over.”
“The tutorial is not the best and the game would benefit a lot if there was a little story (to explain the basics of the world, why/that a boss is coming for you, what or why you have to do x or y).”
“You won't play it for the story - but the base idea is cute.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its mesmerizing visuals and beautiful music, evoking a calm and enchanting experience reminiscent of titles like Ori. Players appreciate the combination of stunning graphics and sound effects, which enhance the overall immersion in the game's indie aesthetic. Despite some minor issues with UI and graphics settings, the atmosphere remains a standout feature that many recommend.
“Together with the game's mesmerizing atmosphere and music and the random nature of these beautiful worlds, this is a game I 100% recommend.”
“Very nice graphics and music/sound effects; the atmosphere actually reminds me of Ori. Calm and beautiful; cool mix of walking on the map and fighting.”
“The visuals and the music are really lovely; the game looks great, or at least I really enjoy the atmosphere of these kinds of indie games.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs and clunky mechanics that detract from the overall experience. While some players find it still playable and enjoyable, the persistent issues significantly impact gameplay quality.
“The game is buggy as hell, which really ruins your experience.”
“Game is clunky and buggy with very little redeeming qualities.”
“Sometimes the game is a bit buggy and rough around the edges, which can be frustrating.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers good replayability due to its strategic combat and engaging design, though some players find it can become grindy. While current replayability is considered low by some, there is optimism for improvements as developers are open to feedback during early access.
“Its design makes it replayable again and again.”
“Good replayability, but gets a little grindy.”
“Combat is pretty fun and strategic; unfortunately, replayability as of now is low, but the developers have expressed interest in making changes in early access, so hopefully they listen to feedback.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions, which has been well-received by players.
“No microtransactions - god bless you.”
“The game offers a fair monetization model that respects players' time and investment.”
“I appreciate that the developers focus on providing value without pushing for constant purchases.”
“No microtransactions - God bless you.”
“The monetization model feels exploitative and heavily favors players who are willing to spend extra money.”
“I was disappointed to find that many features are locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game fully without spending.”
