Spellmasons

Oh, look, another indie roguelike. Sometimes, we wonder if we could go a month without many carbon genre copies coming out to compete for our attention. So how does Spellmasons fit into all this then? Is it an enchanting blend of tactical wizardry and roguelike chaos attempting to grab your attention instantly? With pixel art and a spellbook that grows as quickly as your ambition, the game wants to be that title that makes the difference. But don't they all?

Spellmasons invites players to master the art of simultaneous turn-based combat. It offers nothing different than the typical indie roguelike released every seven seconds. However, the game's world promises unpredictable challenges, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same and a refreshing twist for any of the roguelike genre. If it delivers on that promise, I'm game.

Magic, Mayhem, Masons

Getting stuck in, you'll find that Spellmasons offers a highly tactical combat system that is as accessible as deep. Players will navigate procedurally generated arenas filled with interactions, hellbent on making their journey more challenging. Overcoming those obstacles puts a core focus on crafting and upgrading your spells while carefully planning your moves alongside friends, creating a captivating dynamic that wasn't exactly expected from the title but also most welcome.

We're more than happy to open the door to some genre innovation, and the cooperative mechanics of Spellmasons parade through like a hard-won victory. The combat mechanics are why you should take notice of other roguelikes, definitely earning some leverage over traditional turn-based games where each player waits their turn. You and your teammates will go simultaneously, offering a massively thrilling edge, accelerating the combat pace, and delivering a more explosive co-op experience.

If we look beyond gameplay for a moment, the narrative of Spellmasons is refreshingly straightforward. It's an easy-to-digest storyline amongst the organized mechanical chaos, where you and a band of magic-wielding misfits face a series of gauntlets, culminating in a showdown with a menacing evil wizard. It's a fine little tale but lies in the backdrop of what the game wants players to focus on.

So, what about Spellmason's aesthetic? The game presents a minimalist pixel art style that complements its chaotic spirit. The retro visuals undoubtedly evoke a sense of nostalgia. The adopted art style is stereotypical of most indie roguelikes. Still, it does a good job of contributing to the game's overall excitement, especially when battling foes.

A Strategic Collision

I'll admit that I didn't come into this game with high expectations, given that so many genre titles are released that are remarkably average. But Spellmasons delivers a concoction of strategy, humor, and relentless action that roguelike fans will appreciate and certainly be captivated by. Its simultaneous turn-based system sets it apart from many contemporaries, allowing for an engaging co-op experience that few games dare to explore and struggle with.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Thrilling, turn-based gameplay performed simultaneously
• Engaging co-op experience with intuitive mechanics
• Ever-expanding spellbook offering diverse tactical options

Cons:

• Occasional difficulty spikes may frustrate newcomers
• Some avoidable deaths can feel overly punishing