Looking for an immersive new game to get lost in? Desert Revenant is a wildly original RPG from new studio Kreationware, fusing roguelike adventuring with deck-building strategy. That’s right, this mythical adventure is a card game, mixing the most rewarding elements of games like Slay the Spire and Hearthstone with an enchanting story set in a Middle East-inspired world.
Emphasising skill over grind, Desert Revenant challenges players to build their knowledge as they embark on an epic quest through an ancient world of Jinns and magic. Throughout their journey, they will encounter scores of enemies pulled from ancient mythology that they’ll need to use cunning tactics to defeat. Throughout these battles, players will be able to summon minions and other enchanting allies to do their bidding.
On top of the stimulating turn-based combat, there is also a rich narrative to enjoy in Desert Revenant. Dropping players into the desert world of Elmyr, players become embroiled in a war between the city of Soom and the Jinn Kings. The multi-stranded plotline features multiple paths where your decisions affect the world, presenting players with challenges that test both brains and brawn.
In order to defeat the overwhelming power of the Jinns, players will have to collect, trade, and upgrade their cards to make the most robust deck possible. Players familiar with card games like Magic the Gathering, Slay the Spire, or Inscryption will feel right at home here – however, there are some fascinating twists that set Desert Revenant apart from its competitors.
The roguelike structure adds almost endless replayability to an already enthralling campaign, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same. Randomised deck loadouts will require you to learn the meaning and use of each card so that you can take on any creature that Elmyr throws at you, while upgrades must be used with great care to enhance the most useful spells for the enemies you will face.
Each time you die for the Sultan, you’ll be placed back at the start of your adventure, with a different set of cards and a different path laid out before you. Each run will see you face different challenges and encounter new story elements. As you go, you’ll pick up new skills and acquire upgrades that will make your future battles more manageable.
Another unique string in Desert Revenant’s bow is the gorgeous hand-drawn art style. The 2D graphics evoke a dreamlike atmosphere that immerses players in this vibrant world’s swords and sorcery. A roster of unique playable heroes is available to choose from, adding variety to each run. Meanwhile, scores of chilling enemies lifted from the pages of ancient tales await to halt your progress. The most impressive of these are the terrifying Jinn bosses, which will require all your skill and tenacity to defeat.
Jinns are iconic figures from Arabian mythology, often referred to as ‘genies’ in the west. These nefarious spirits wield devastating spells and will require every spell in your arsenal to take down. As a fighter for the Sultan, you’re tasked with keeping these demonic forces at bay, along with a whole host of vicious beasts and strange creatures.
Desert Revenant is currently in early access and the development team have assured fans that plenty more content is to come. New heroes, enemies, and gameplay mechanics are still on the way, ensuring a bright future for a game just beginning its life cycle.
The full version of the game, which is about a year away, will feature the full story, along with more maps and corresponding leaders for each. New NPCs, enemies, bosses, and impactful player decisions will also be added at this stage, giving further depth to the storyline.
To get involved with the ongoing development of Desert Revenant, players can join the official Discord channel where they can submit feedback to developers. Players can also take to the Steam forums to share their experiences with the game, contributing to the overall quality of the finished product.
Kreationware is also keen to find out about the fun and unconventional ways that players are using the combat system to win encounters. Due to the strategic nature of the game, there are many varied ways to win battles, some not even known by the developers themselves. A little creativity goes a long way, so try and find unique ways to overcome the game’s many challenges.
Purchase now and you can start enjoying Desert Revenant for a discounted price, and engage with the development team as they collect fan feedback. Download Desert Revenant today and begin your Arabian adventure.