Cobalt Core
- November 8, 2023
- Rocket Rat Games
- 14h median play time
Delightful deckbuilding that uses starship travel to build upon the Slay the Spire formula instead of merely imitating it. Outstanding.
Get on Steam"Cobalt Core" is a sci-fi roguelike deckbuilder with a unique single-axis combat system. Give orders to your crew by playing cards to dodge, protect, or strike at enemies, and customize your deck with hundreds of cards. Each character has a unique playstyle and personal story, providing varied gameplay experiences.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- Cobalt Core combines elements of FTL and Slay the Spire, offering a unique gameplay experience with engaging ship combat and deck-building mechanics.
- The characters are charming and well-written, with humorous dialogue that enhances the overall experience and keeps players invested in the story.
- The soundtrack is exceptional, providing a captivating audio backdrop that complements the gameplay and adds to the game's charm.
- The game can feel repetitive after a few runs due to limited enemy variety and the same bosses appearing in each act.
- Some characters and cards are significantly more powerful than others, leading to imbalances that can affect the overall gameplay experience.
- The requirement to complete 18 runs to unlock all character memories can feel like a grind, potentially diminishing replayability for some players.
- gameplay1,755 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
Cobalt Core offers a compelling blend of deckbuilding and tactical ship combat, featuring unique mechanics such as lateral movement and character-specific abilities that enhance gameplay depth. While the game is easy to pick up and provides a satisfying loop, some players note a lack of variety in content and challenge as runs progress, leading to potential repetitiveness. Overall, it combines charming aesthetics, engaging writing, and a fun gameplay experience, making it a delightful addition to the roguelike genre.
“A compelling deckbuilding game with a unique ship combat mechanic.”
“Simple at first but it gets deep the moment you unlock more crew and ships, with each bringing their own mechanics and unique decks.”
“The gameplay is fun and refreshing, with movement being a key mechanic in the game and enough variety of characters and ships to feel like I have to use different tactics with each combination.”
“First, actual gameplay does not vary a whole lot, and even less aesthetically.”
“The gameplay is basic in a bad way; virtually every single card in the game costs 2-3x what it's worth, and the mechanic of having to move your ship out of harm's way seems like a good idea at first, but the more of it you play, the more annoying and boring it gets.”
“The main complaint I have, the gameplay feels pretty boring.”
- story1,357 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The story in "Cobalt Core" is a charming and engaging aspect that unfolds gradually through gameplay, rewarding players with character backstories and plot developments after each successful run. While some players found the pacing slow, requiring multiple runs to fully unlock the narrative, many appreciated the humor, character interactions, and emotional depth woven into the lighthearted storyline. Overall, the game successfully combines its roguelike mechanics with a compelling narrative, making it a standout in the genre.
“The story and characters unfold in a satisfying way for a roguelike, similar to Hades, despite art and writing being a different style.”
“Cobalt Core is a roguelike strategy card game with a story that gets me hooked and makes me want to keep playing, a really good soundtrack, easy to understand mechanics, and cute critters to top it all off.”
“The story progresses as you complete runs and builds up to a satisfying conclusion, which I didn't expect from a roguelike deckbuilder game.”
“It takes too long to get through the 'story' (18 runs minimum!) and the ending was way too abrupt (due to the premise of the game) and tacky/cliche with a gimmick 'fight.'”
“The story overall is fine, but the way you progress it is very annoying.”
“The 'story' (most people don't even want a story in this kind of game) is boring and lifeless, as are the characters and their dialogue.”
- music1,261 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in "Cobalt Core" has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its catchy melodies, emotional depth, and ability to enhance the overall gaming experience. The soundtrack is described as a standout feature, often compared to beloved titles like "FTL" and "Undertale," and is noted for its ability to remain engaging even after extended playtime. Overall, the music is considered a significant factor in the game's charm and replayability, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
“The music for the game also really adds to the charm, and I can't say enough nice things about how polished the game is as a whole.”
“The soundtrack is fantastic - upbeat.”
“The music is phenomenal, truly.”
“My only complaint is the music variety could use a few more tracks but what is there is quality and only began to wear thin after 20 or so hours.”
“As you inevitably play this for many hours, know that you're unable to turn the music off, ever!”
“I guess there's some music, but I don't remember it at all.”
- humor496 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in "Cobalt Core" is widely praised for its quirky, charming, and often genuinely funny dialogue, which enhances the game's overall appeal. Players appreciate the witty character interactions and the lighthearted tone that balances the gameplay, making it both engaging and entertaining. While some humor may occasionally miss the mark, the majority of reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter and create memorable moments through its clever writing and endearing characters.
“The gameplay is tight, the writing is funny yet meaningful (and I'd be lying if I said the ending didn't manage to get a tear out of me), and the general tone of the game is just bright and peppy.”
“The ongoing dialogue between runs is funny and the gameplay loop is well thought out.”
“The characters are fantastic and each have their own personality, the humor is top tier and the combats feel balanced.”
“The writing and story feel a bit unfunny and childlike in a 'I'm so random' kind of way.”
“The writing and story feel a bit unfunny and childlike in a 'I'm so random' kind of way.”
- graphics434 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming pixel art style, vibrant colors, and adorable character designs, which contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere. Many reviewers highlight the effective combination of visuals and music, creating a cozy and engaging experience, while some note that the graphics, though not groundbreaking, are solid and enhance the gameplay. Overall, the art style is described as delightful and fitting, with a strong emphasis on character-rich sprite work and a fun, lighthearted vibe.
“The presentation is the main standout, amazing music, visuals and many interesting events and comments from your crew which never really feels out of place or repetitive.”
“The pixel graphic art style and the fairly extensive character dialogue also adds to the enjoyment of this game.”
“Beyond that, what takes this game over the top for me is the beautiful artwork, great characters, and hilarious dialogues.”
“The graphics and visuals are not really the strong suit, but decent enough to keep it worth playing.”
“The battle graphics are alright, though the simple portraits and cutscenes can fall a bit short during what are supposed to be emotional moments of the story.”
“- the graphics are generic retro pixel art, the cards are very minimalistic visually and lacking in original drawings, and I'm not a fan of the cutesy protagonists.”
- replayability282 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it offers a variety of characters and ships that can create unique combinations, it lacks the depth and content variety found in top-tier deck-builders like "Slay the Spire." Some enjoy the charm and accessibility of the gameplay, suggesting it is a fun experience for casual play, but others feel it may lose its appeal after several runs due to repetitive elements and limited challenges. Overall, while there is potential for replayability, especially with future updates and modding support, it may not satisfy those seeking extensive long-term engagement.
“Amazing replayability, delightful character design and story beats, surprisingly complex deck-builder that unfolds in so many possibilities.”
“The idea of being able to choose three different characters each with their own decks and playstyles to combine into one deck is fun and, combined with the multiple ships to choose from, adds a good bit of replayability.”
“Randomization of the runs combines with choosing 3 characters from a stable of up to 8, and 1 ship out of 5 very different ones, to create a vast amount of potential replayability - every character has their own set of cards and boosts, and you won't see all of either in a single run.”
“The replayability tanks a bit once you've finished the memories and beaten hard mode, for me.”
“Where it struggles is that the game rarely feels like it gets into 2nd gear and the event/enemy variety doesn’t support extensive replayability.”
“It does not feel like it has the replayability of other deck builders like Slay the Spire.”
- emotional87 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and an exceptional soundtrack that evokes a range of feelings, often culminating in touching moments that resonate deeply with players. Many reviews note the balance of humor and emotional depth, with several players expressing that the game made them cry or feel genuinely invested in the characters' journeys. Overall, it offers a wholesome and engaging experience that combines fun gameplay with significant emotional impact.
“Snappy writing that made me laugh leading up to an amazing and satisfying finale that had tears streaming down my face (or maybe it caught me on a day where I'm feeling particularly emotional about friendships).”
“The music alone never ceases to slap and oftentimes even makes you emotional.”
“Plus it tells a surprisingly emotional and affecting story as you play your runs and learn about the characters, with a story told diegetically through mechanics a la Undertale or Night in the Woods.”
- character development46 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highlighted by its charming and whimsical character designs, witty dialogue, and engaging interactions, which contribute to a delightful overall aesthetic. While many players appreciate the unique personalities and humor, some express disappointment in the depth of character development, particularly regarding specific characters like Riggs. Overall, the game successfully combines appealing visuals with a light narrative, though it may not satisfy those seeking profound character arcs.
“I thought the cutesy character designs would turn me away, but the writing, personalities, and humor really brought me in.”
“It’s got great character design and dialogue, a well-designed gameplay system, enough background storytelling to keep me invested, and a killer soundtrack.”
“More notable than the relatively mild gameplay innovations, it has something of an actual story/lore and character development than most similar games that I've played.”
“Character designs in-game give little away about what the story expects you to understand, even though they have multiple detailed expressions. Still, that part could have used some more pixels for clarification or backdrops.”
“Although, keeping it spoiler-free, the one single thing that disappointed me was the lack of character development of Riggs in the final ending.”
“I guess I'm not the kind of person that cares about character development in their puzzle games, but if that's your thing, go for it.”
- grinding36 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly when trying to unlock all content, which requires numerous wins across multiple characters. While the game offers diverse builds and mechanics that initially engage players, the necessity to repeatedly defeat the same bosses can lead to a sense of monotony. However, some reviewers appreciate that the game avoids the extreme grindiness often found in roguelikes, making it more accessible for those who enjoy the story without excessive grinding.
“It's very sweet, but it's just a bit too grindy to get to (3 wins each across 6 characters for 18 total wins), which I feel goes against the more casual vibe this game gives off compared to something like Slay the Spire.”
“They are fun, ranging from simple 'a lot of cannons/missiles' to ships that avoid shots or shoot back when attacked, but to get to the finale, the game needs to be beaten 21 times, and towards the end, it's getting seriously grindy.”
“And to get whatever final ending you are going for involves a lot of grinding, about 20 times more than there is content to support it.”
- atmosphere32 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 28 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its cozy and engaging qualities, enhanced by an amazing art style and a phenomenal soundtrack that evokes a range of emotions from lightheartedness to existential dread. Players appreciate the unique sci-fi vibe, lovable characters, and the subtle humor that permeates the experience, making it a relaxing and enjoyable casual roguelike. Despite some repetitiveness in gameplay, the overall atmosphere and narrative depth contribute significantly to its appeal.
“The mechanics are solid and unique compared to similar deckbuilding roguelikes, the atmosphere is incredible, the characters are lovable, and the soundtrack is absolutely fantastic.”
“It's a very relaxing and comforting game; you can just come back from a busy day, boot up the game and have a quick run, thanks to the adorable aesthetics and the soundtrack with lots of chill songs, groovy beats, very emotional when the story gets serious, and a really good atmosphere.”
“I play a huge amount of deckbuilders and roguelike strategy games in general, and this one came with so much hype and love that I still would say it's worth trying out - maybe the novel atmosphere and story beats will work better for you than they did for me (statistics say it probably will!).”
“The music is phenomenal at assisting the conveyance of an ethereal atmosphere of action, wonder, and a dose of existential dread.”
“The atmosphere is lighthearted among the characters, and no one really minds being blown up in space since they're all stuck in a time loop and know they'll be seeing each other again.”
- stability13 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 62 % negative mentions
Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability, with users reporting smooth gameplay and no significant bugs, glitches, or crashes, particularly on the Steam Deck. Players appreciate the lack of technical issues that often affect AAA titles, although some express uncertainty about the game's overall quality.
“Runs great on the Steam Deck!”
“They even have controller support, and the game runs great on a Steam Deck.”
“Can't tell if the game is bad or buggy; either way, it's got a lot of work to be done.”
“The gameplay is smooth and easy to follow, and I can't ever remember any glitches, crashes, or unclear explanations.”
“I'm about halfway through completing the game, and at this point, I'm very much okay with the content available and the total lack of any bugs and glitches that seem to plague every AAA title.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with users reporting smooth performance on laptops and no significant bugs. However, some players express frustration regarding the lack of streamlined and optimized deck options.
“I haven't encountered any bugs yet, and it runs smoothly on a laptop.”
“That can be annoying if you like streamlined and optimized decks.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight that the game successfully avoids the pitfalls of monetization commonly seen in AAA titles, such as excessive microtransactions and high price tags, showcasing the potential of indie games to deliver quality experiences without resorting to cash grabs.
“I can't believe someone still makes good games in 2023, not just some cheap cash grab.”
“Proof that indie games are still able to beat out AAA titles without the need for hefty price tags or endless microtransactions.”
