Stepping into the vast universe of Steam Next Fest demos, one game caught my attention: Cobalt Core. This roguelikelike spaceship deck-building dungeon-crawler promises a thrilling adventure across the galaxy. Drawing inspirations from renowned games like Slay The Spire and FTL, Cobalt Core offers a unique twist on the genre. As a fan of these games, I couldn’t resist giving this demo a try.
Picture yourself as a member of a rag-tag spaceship crew caught in an endless time loop. Your mission revolves around breaking this cycle and venturing into uncharted territories across the galaxy. Much like in FTL and Slay the Spire, you navigate through a galaxy map filled with battle nodes, bosses, shops, and mysterious encounters. The choices are yours to make, shaping the path of your adventure and ultimately determining your fate.
Cobalt Core presents an interesting take on combat mechanics. Each fight plays out as a strategic encounter with a single enemy, akin to facing off against a powerful foe in Slay the Spire. However, there is a twist. Every turn, you draw a random hand of cards from your deck and must carefully manage your limited energy to cast them. These cards offer a variety of abilities, from immediate attacks to evasive moves that can be used strategically or saved for future turns. The importance of maneuvering your spaceship becomes evident as you dodge incoming attacks.
The battleground in Cobalt Core consists of multiple lanes, with each ship spanning several squares. Guns are attached to specific ship parts, allowing you to dodge enemy attacks by skillfully maneuvering your vessel. However, moving to attack your enemies may sometimes be necessary. Occasionally, asteroids may temporarily block lanes, adding an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay. Additionally, you might encounter enemies deploying drones to different lanes, further intensifying the challenge.
A Flexible Deck-Building Experience
At the start of each run, you possess a straightforward deck. However, as you progress, new cards become available, allowing you to specialize and create unique niches. Upgrading cards into one of two variants and acquiring artifacts further enhance your abilities. You might find yourself commanding a run focused on a barrage of low-cost attacks, which transform into significant threats once combined with buffs. Alternatively, you could opt for a tanky build centered around corrosion, watching your enemies succumb to their inevitable demise. And if agility is your preference, a zippy build that exploits weak points on specific blocks, darting between lanes with precision, could prove your path to victory.
The Cobalt Core demo, although not extensive, has undoubtedly captured my interest and secured a spot on my wishlist. The game is set to launch on November 8th, and I am eager to delve deeper into its fascinating universe. Excitingly, Cobalt Core will also be available on Nintendo Switch, providing players with a chance to explore this captivating adventure on the go. If you crave an intergalactic journey filled with strategic gameplay, deck-building mechanics, and thrilling battles, don’t miss the opportunity to download the demo from the game’s Steam page. See for yourself if Cobalt Core can soar to new heights in the genre.
Even the Indiescovery podcast gang has recognized the potential of Cobalt Core. They had the opportunity to play it at Pax East earlier this year, fueling their enthusiasm for this exceptional game. Cobalt Core represents a remarkable addition to the roguelike and deck-building genres, bringing a fresh perspective and engaging mechanics to the table. Make sure to keep an eye out for Cobalt Core’s arrival in the gaming scene, as it promises to provide an unforgettable galactic adventure like no other.
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