Spell Disk
- September 1, 2023
- Sunpeak Games
- 25h median play time
Get on Steam"Spell Disk" is a rogue-lite action game with a unique synergy building mechanic, where each run is unique and players must strategize to build their power. The game encourages players to discover new spell combos and synergies, and to craft spells, disks, and artifacts that work together. Unlocking new weapons and powers is also a key aspect of gameplay.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique spell and disk system that allows for endless combinations and powerful synergies, making each run feel fresh and engaging.
- The pixel art aesthetic is charming, and the gameplay is fast-paced and fun, providing a satisfying experience for players.
- The developers are responsive to community feedback and regularly update the game, showing a commitment to improving the overall experience.
- The RNG can be frustrating, especially early in runs, as it may lead to unplayable builds if the right disks or spells are not acquired.
- The game can become visually chaotic, making it difficult to track enemy attacks and your own spells during intense moments.
- Some mechanics, such as the overheat system, are not well explained, leading to confusion about how they impact gameplay.
- gameplay182 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Spell Disk" is praised for its innovative mechanics, particularly the spell disk system that allows for intricate spell combinations and synergies, reminiscent of titles like "Vampire Survivors" and "Hades." While the core mechanics are engaging and addictive, some players note issues with movement speed and the clarity of certain mechanics, such as the overheat system. Overall, the game offers a satisfying and fun gameplay loop, with a good mix of roguelike elements and real-time action, though it could benefit from improved explanations and balancing.
“The core gameplay of creating combos and abilities that proc off of each other is insanely addictive.”
“Spell disk has a fantastic core mechanic (crafting spells, that cast other spells, that cast other spells, etc. [yes, infinite loops are possible and somehow well-balanced]) and two excellent, very unique-feeling game modes.”
“It's a very satisfying gameplay loop where you try and create ridiculous builds with the million different spells and disks and modifiers to both.”
“It's a nice baseline for an action roguelike; however, the game is closer to a survivor's game in gameplay, as movement is slightly too slow, attacks are effectively spammed, and spells are pretty much automatic.”
“The game doesn't explain 90% of its stats and mechanics properly.”
“I still don't know how exactly overheat interacts with my spells, because there's no explanation anywhere despite it being a core mechanic.”
- graphics42 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming pixel art aesthetic that many players appreciate, noting its cute art style and appealing visuals. However, some users find the visuals can become chaotic and confusing, making it difficult to track characters and surroundings during gameplay. Overall, while the graphics are not groundbreaking, they are well-executed and contribute positively to the game's atmosphere.
“Bonus points for the lovely pixel graphics and the cute redheaded protagonist ^-^”
“What an amazing game with some original concepts and art style.”
“Awesome animation and the performance is impressive even though graphics are 2D.”
“Looks like it belongs on Newgrounds, but you get accustomed to the visuals.”
“The graphics and art style in Spell Disk are nothing mind-blowing, just the typical cutesy pixel art style.”
“Visuals can get pretty chaotic and confusing, making it hard to keep track of your character and surroundings.”
- story20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story is not the primary focus, but it features a subtly woven narrative enhanced by background dialogue and lore that can be discovered throughout gameplay. While the story is often minimal and sporadic, it has moments of depth and potential that some players find surprisingly engaging. Overall, the action and combat mechanics take precedence, making the experience enjoyable even for those who may overlook the narrative elements.
“The lore is sprinkled in lightly, but when you pay attention and realize what's going on, it's a rather sordid story, though overall, really good, and not what I would have expected when I first got the game.”
“It's got a really in-depth combat system with a bunch of content and a subtle and fun story.”
“The story is largely not there, but when it does show up for 10 seconds, it's pretty epic!”
“There is probably a story; I don't remember seeing one, but where it lacks such, it makes up for it in pure action and fun.”
“I'll have to say that the storyline has immense potential to be something really good.”
- replayability12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, attributed to its unique attack system, diverse spells, and various build options. While some users note that it may not reach the replayability levels of more content-rich games like "The Binding of Isaac," many still find it enjoyable and recommend it for its fun gameplay and fair price.
“Very fair price, very good replayability even if it's not to the level of something like The Binding of Isaac, and you won't have that much content. With this game developers, I have absolutely no doubts that this little gem will only get better with time!”
“It has a lot of replayability due to its unique attack system and large array of spells and triggers.”
“Lots of replay value with the amount of builds you can do.”
- music6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, described as fitting but somewhat generic. However, some users express disappointment regarding the lack of music and sound effects in the pre-release version, suggesting that more variety and depth could enhance the overall experience.
“The music is on-point but maybe a bit generic.”
“For a game in pre-release, I would expect there to be some level of music or sound effects for the game.”
“The music, the graphics, the large variety of settings, and the mechanics are nice.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its strong optimization, running smoothly without major performance issues or bugs, which is commendable for an early access title. Users appreciate the impressive performance and animations, especially given the 2D graphics, and express hope for further improvements as development continues.
“In contrast to other early access games, it's running well with no major performance issues; I haven't encountered a single bug or crash.”
“Awesome animation, and the performance is impressive even though the graphics are 2D.”
“Since the game is still in early access, I'm hoping for the classic huge performance improvements.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be significant, yet it is balanced by a rewarding meta-progression system that enhances the overall experience. Many feel empowered from the start, attributing any failures to their own decisions rather than insufficient grinding.
“Grindy but with rewarding meta-progression.”
“From the very first run, I felt powerful and the death was my own fault; not from lack of grinding or meta progression.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is derived from the absurdity of gameplay mechanics, such as the irony of players upgrading disks multiple times despite a more effective strategy being to keep them at lower levels. Additionally, the combination of spells can lead to comically outrageous setups, enhancing the overall comedic experience.
“Even as little as 2-4 spells including your weapon spell can make for some very hilariously absurd setups.”
“If that is the truth, why do people upgrade the disks 9 times? People will get the highest trigger rate if they keep the disk at a lower level. Isn't that hilarious?”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the game features interesting character design, suggesting that the visual and conceptual aspects of the characters are engaging and well-crafted. However, there is no further elaboration on the depth or progression of character development beyond their design.
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with users feeling that the developers did not fully commit to the game's potential, resulting in a mediocre experience.
“It feels like they gave up halfway through and created a cash grab survival game, and it's a pretty mediocre one at that.”
“The monetization strategy is so aggressive that it overshadows the gameplay experience.”
“I can't believe how much they want you to spend just to enjoy the game; it feels like a constant push for more money.”
