Wildfrost

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 9,293 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
Wildfrost Game Cover
A perfect balance of accessibility and strategic depth, elevated by charming visuals and buckets of personality.
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Wildfrost is a tactical, single-player card game with a unique atmosphere, stellar mechanics, and exceptional visuals/soundtrack. Assemble your deck with cute companions, elemental items, and powerful charms to battle against the Wildfrost and develop the hub town of Snowdwell. With endless replayability, a hilarious story, and a variety of Leaders to choose from, this game offers a wholesome experience that is both strategically challenging and gratifying.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Android
  • Cloud
  • Mobile Platform
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 9,293 reviews
gameplay1,240 positive mentions
grinding72 negative mentions
  • Beautiful art style and charming visuals that enhance the overall experience.
  • Engaging and challenging gameplay that rewards strategic thinking and planning.
  • Unique mechanics, such as the countdown system and the ability to reposition units, add depth to the combat.
  • High difficulty level can be frustrating, especially for new players unfamiliar with the mechanics.
  • RNG can heavily influence runs, leading to situations where players feel they have little control over outcomes.
  • The final boss mechanic, where players must face their previous winning deck, can feel unfair and discouraging.
  • gameplay3,125 mentions

    The gameplay of *Wildfrost* is characterized by its unique mechanics and strategic depth, blending elements of deck-building and tactical positioning. Players must navigate a challenging learning curve, as the game rewards careful planning and understanding of various mechanics, such as the countdown system and unit positioning, while also introducing a variety of card synergies and interactions. While many players appreciate the engaging and addictive nature of the gameplay, some express concerns about balance and the steep difficulty, particularly for newcomers to the genre.

    • “Every run helps you understand the mechanics better, and even after hours of play, I find myself discovering new synergies and strategies.”
    • “Its complex, layered card mechanics and engaging faction system, especially with my beloved shademancers, keep me coming back for 'just one more run.'”
    • “The countdown mechanic helps make the game feel much different than a lot of other deck building games.”
    • “The gameplay loop is too small, the rewards are meager, and gets repetitive fast.”
    • “The amount of mechanics you have to learn is overwhelming, the unlocks to help in runs are underwhelming, simple mechanics are made impossible to understand, and you never feel powerful.”
    • “The actual gameplay is...fine.”
  • graphics1,674 mentions

    The graphics of "Wildfrost" have been widely praised for their charming and vibrant art style, which combines cute character designs with polished animations and a delightful soundtrack. Many players appreciate the game's unique aesthetic, noting that it enhances the overall experience and adds to its replayability, despite the challenging gameplay that belies its cheerful visuals. Overall, the art style is considered a standout feature, drawing players in and contributing significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “I never knew I needed a whole game in Gaziter's art style, but now I have it and am eating up every corner of it.”
    • “Its combination of stunning visuals, innovative mechanics, and engaging gameplay make it a standout title that any fan of roguelikes should not miss.”
    • “The art style is simple yet very satisfying, and the work done on all the sound effects and animation is deliciously crisp.”
    • “It's the driving reason behind so many negative reviews and why so many casual players who are captivated by the approachable art-style bounce off this game so quickly.”
    • “The difficulty of the game is a really weird design choice, as the lack of agency (and the cute artwork) really make you expect to be able to breeze through, and that's clear from the negative reviews the game is getting.”
    • “I think a lot of people got lured in expecting something a lot more casual due to the game's cutesy aesthetic and are experiencing some dissonance from that.”
  • music1,131 mentions

    The music in *Wildfrost* has received widespread acclaim for its engaging and dynamic soundtrack, which enhances the gameplay experience and complements the charming art style. Composed by Paul Zimmermann, the soundtrack features catchy tunes that players find themselves humming along to, although some note that it can become repetitive over extended play sessions. Overall, the music is described as a standout element that significantly contributes to the game's whimsical atmosphere and immersive feel.

    • “The soundtrack is amazing and gets me to hum along in every fight.”
    • “Also, I don't usually pay attention to music, but after 41 hours playing this is the only strategy game I don't end up muting after several hours; they are so nice!”
    • “The art and music just take it to another level.”
    • “The only part that could be better in this game is the music; it is a bit repetitive.”
    • “The soundtrack may become repetitive through several playthroughs or long sessions, but helps foster the game's fun and charming atmosphere as you play through and try to beat the game for the first time.”
    • “The art style is cute and fun, but the battle music is repetitive and distracting.”
  • replayability352 mentions

    The replayability of Wildfrost is frequently praised, with many players highlighting the variety of factions, card combinations, and difficulty modifiers that keep each run fresh and engaging. While some reviews note that the game may not offer infinite replayability, features like daily challenges and a robust item/companion system significantly enhance its longevity. However, a few players express concerns about the game's content depth and potential repetitiveness after extended play, suggesting that while enjoyable, it may not match the replay value of other roguelikes like Slay the Spire.

    • “The variety between the factions adds great replayability and keeps things fresh each run.”
    • “The procedural generation of levels and the vast array of cards and abilities to unlock mean that Wildfrost offers endless replayability.”
    • “With its adorable companions, innovative mechanics, and endless replayability, this game is an absolute must-have for both casual and hardcore gamers alike.”
    • “Replayability is not that great, and I felt the most fun was in the first 6 hours, and it was downhill after that.”
    • “Unfortunatly, I had the main content of the game unlocked and 'finished' after three hours of gameplay, which honestly disappointed me for the price tag, since replayability isn't really a thing if there isn't much content to be unlocked, or synergies to be found.”
    • “The same fights every run limits the replay value, however.”
  • story133 mentions

    The game's story is generally well-received, with players appreciating its engaging worldbuilding and charming characters, though many express a desire for more depth and narrative content. While the journeying aspect and plot twists are highlighted as enjoyable, some reviewers note that the storytelling feels sparse and could benefit from additional lore and quests. Overall, the story complements the gameplay, but there are calls for more substantial narrative elements to enhance the experience.

    • “Story - 9/10: Roguelike card builders don't require a lot of story, but this one does a good job of giving just the right amount for worldbuilding and doesn't cram anything else down your throat.”
    • “But it's also an extremely polished, well-made roguelike deckbuilder, with a unique cooldown mechanic and a surprisingly engaging story with some interesting twists that can affect future runs.”
    • “The art is adorable, the characters are created with the perfect amount of snark, and I'm happy to see that there's actually an end goal/story to work towards now.”
    • “I do wish there was more storytelling, since they give you little lore bits at the beginning for worldbuilding, and that's it.”
    • “The developers could also have made more focus on the story instead of just giving you a few pages of lore here and there.”
    • “As of so far the whole world in the game lacks in variations in the story part.”
  • grinding78 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game can be a mixed experience; while some players appreciate the depth and challenge it brings, many find it tedious and repetitive, especially when faced with similar enemies and mechanics. Achievements and unlocks can feel grindy, particularly in the early stages, leading to frustration with the gameplay loop. However, some players note that the game becomes more enjoyable as they progress and unlock more content, suggesting that the grind may diminish over time for those who stick with it.

    • “The achievements are not tedious and drove me to play in the various builds possible to their extremes.”
    • “The game got tedious very quickly for me because I was fighting the same enemies with the same cards.”
    • “Early on, I noticed it was a bit grindy with its gameplay loop -- to unlock more features (the 'town') you have to complete achievements, which can take a lot of loops, but the maps aren't that interesting and each run can feel very samey, so it feels grindy.”
    • “Wildfrost is a decent game hidden behind many hours of BS grinding through a tacked-on and superficial progression system.”
  • humor76 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying its quirky art style, funny character designs, and clever card names that contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere. Many reviews highlight the comedic elements of gameplay, such as absurd deaths and the humorous implications of card effects, making the experience both entertaining and engaging. Overall, the game is described as a delightful blend of strategy and humor, with a charming aesthetic that enhances its comedic appeal.

    • “Thankfully the game's fast-paced and smooth enough that it's relatively painless to spin up another run after you randomly get your teeth kicked in by 30-50 wild boars or punched yourself in the face repeatedly because a crab looked at you funny.”
    • “Not to mention that it is filled with bits of humor, whether it's through the implications of what the card effects mean, the funny character designs, or fun easter eggs (would you spare a naked gnome?).”
    • “Also, the developers clearly have a sense of humor, and the whole game just gives off an incredible, Nintendo-esque lighthearted feel (I mean that in the best possible way since I love the comfortable feeling many Nintendo games have).”
    • “These charms only work 1 game out of many, and they are not funny nor do they add interesting synergies.”
  • character development46 mentions

    The character development in the game is highly praised for its stunning art style and unique designs, which contribute significantly to the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the charm and appeal of the characters, noting their humor and creativity, while also appreciating the depth of the world-building and lore that enhances gameplay. Overall, the character design is considered one of the standout features, making the game visually captivating and engaging.

    • “The art style is wonderful, the character design and world building are amazing, the mechanics and upgrade systems feel really fun and unique, and it's hard enough that I can't just breeze through the game.”
    • “Incredible rogue deckbuilder with layers upon layers of strategy, great soundtrack, and unironically some of the best character design I've seen in a video game.”
    • “First and foremost: Wildfrost has a beautiful art style, the character design is top notch and the music creates a great atmosphere.”
    • “Been trying to get into this game for months, the animation, the character design, the sound effects… everything about it is well made, except for the core gameplay loop.”
    • “It's brimming with life from the world building to the character designs.”
    • “For me, the biggest draw of this game was (and is) the art style, which is very fun and appealing - especially when it comes to the character designs.”
  • atmosphere42 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its charming and immersive qualities, featuring beautiful art, engaging music, and distinct auditory elements that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the whimsical yet punishing environment, which effectively balances lightheartedness with challenging gameplay. While some note that the soundtrack can become repetitive, the overall design and atmosphere are considered top-notch, making it a standout in the roguelike deckbuilder genre.

    • “Each area has its own distinct auditory atmosphere, immersing you further into the world.”
    • “The graphics and music are beautifully done, conveying a frigid yet whimsical cartoony atmosphere that perfectly complements the intense, climactic moments of chaining together your combos or avoiding fatal blows.”
    • “The frosty landscape and the cozy town of Snowdwell create an immersive atmosphere that draws you into the game's world.”
    • “The cutesy graphics and atmosphere effectively hide a very punishing experience as you gradually glean what will lead you to victory and what won't.”
    • “The game rides that fun and cutesy atmosphere as a counter to its (current) lack of balance in player agency and difficulty curve during the course of a run.”
    • “If you liked either, but wanted a less dour atmosphere then I would recommend this game.”
  • optimization34 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its smooth performance across various platforms, including lower-end machines and the Steam Deck, with users reporting no significant bugs or performance issues. While there is room for strategic optimization in gameplay, some players feel that the difficulty and deck-building options could be better balanced. Despite these minor concerns, the game is considered lightweight and enjoyable, allowing for a variety of viable strategies.

    • “There's a lot of stuff to decide upon each turn, and there's a lot of room for optimization there as well.”
    • “The game runs smoothly and doesn't require a massive amount of computer resources.”
    • “The game is, in my experience, entirely free of the issues that would otherwise justify a negative review - no performance issues, all the systems function as intended, and the concept of the game is solid.”
    • “You'd inevitably hit a boss that was optimized for a stat that you didn't have and you would die miserably, then you would start again knowing that boss is a potential option.”
    • “While this can present a challenge in the form that you are facing against a group of enemies that synergize with one another, it is also frustrating at times since they are much more optimized than you, the player can hope to be.”
    • “Tl;dr: needs optimizations to difficulty and deckbuilding options, but is certainly a fun and unique game with an amazing art style.”
  • emotional32 mentions

    The game is praised for its cute and wholesome visuals, which contribute to an emotionally engaging experience that balances fun and frustration. Players express a strong emotional attachment to their teams, often feeling both smart and challenged, while the charming art style enhances immersion. However, some players also experience heartbreak due to the game's difficulty and the necessity of using unconventional strategies to succeed.

    • “This game made me feel very smart but also very stupid, but also very smart, but also very stupid.”
    • “I'm the type of person who gets emotionally attached to XCOM units or my Pokémon in a Nuzlocke run.”
    • “The runs are punchy, which is nice, but also leave you wanting just a little more — building your team carefully, you get something of an emotional attachment to it.”
  • stability30 mentions

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs affecting gameplay, progression, and card interactions. While some players have noted that it runs well on platforms like the Steam Deck, many others have experienced significant issues, including error screens and inconsistent mechanics that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game appears to be in need of further development and polish before it can be fully recommended.

    • “It's completely bug free, and all abilities function as they should.”
    • “Game is fantastic and also runs great on the Steam Deck.”
    • “Runs great on Steam Deck.”
    • “If it were less buggy, I'd unequivocally recommend it, but unfortunately, as you'd expect with such a variety of effects, there are some serious issues with how some interact (enemies who have the 'hits all enemies' text get to do that even when inked and they should have lost all abilities, damage isn't always what is shown, so you need to allow for 1 or 2 points of variance that doesn't seem to be indicated anywhere, etc).”
    • “This game is not ready yet; it should be in early access. It is buggy as hell. Currently, I can't even continue playing as every time I attempt to start a new run, a big error screen pops up.”
    • “Now aside from that, things do not unlock properly. Runs end and can be continued from a winning state. I gave myself 3 consecutive wins accidentally because I wanted to just start a new run after winning, but every time I tried, I was prompted to continue or abandon my run. So I said continue, and it continued me from my last move where I was able to simply play one card and beat the boss. Aspects unlocked in town are shown to be newly available after every attempted run and do not present themselves as options when they are supposed to. There's more, but basically, it's a buggy mess.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization aspect includes RNG elements that enhance gameplay by allowing players to adapt their strategies based on in-game rewards, contributing to both challenge and replayability.

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Critic Reviews

75% average critic score

Buy Wildfrost

Play time

9hMedian play time
120hAverage play time
5-35hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 186 analyzed playthroughs

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