There are countless demos to explore during Steam Next Fest, and among them is the captivating roguelikelike spaceship deck-building dungeon-crawler, Cobalt Core. If you find games like Slay the Spire and FTL enjoyable, this is a demo worth checking out. While some may argue that FTL’s follow-up, Into The Breach, has influenced Cobalt Core more significantly, there is no denying the unique and exciting experience this game has to offer. So, why not give the demo a try and judge for yourself?
In Cobalt Core, you assume the role of a rag-tag spaceship crew caught in a time loop, trudging across the vastness of the galaxy in search of a way to break free from this repetitive cycle. Your journey begins with a decision: selecting a route from a galaxy map reminiscent of FTL and Slay the Spire. Battle nodes, bosses, shops, and mystery encounters await your exploration. The combat system resembles facing a single enemy in Slay the Spire, but with a delightful twist.
Each turn in Cobalt Core, you draw a random hand of cards from your deck, and your actions are limited by an allocated amount of energy. These cards offer an array of abilities, from immediate attacks, evasive moves, and stacking shield points to buffing future attacks and inflicting damage-over-time effects. However, it’s important to note that avoiding incoming attacks requires active movement. The battlefield is divided into lanes, with multiple squares occupied by your ship and the enemy’s ship. By maneuvering your ship strategically, you can dodge attacks or position yourself for counterattacks. Be prepared to encounter asteroids obstructing lanes temporarily or enemies deploying drones to complicate the situation.
At the start of each run, your deck is relatively straightforward. However, as you progress, you will acquire new cards, upgrade existing ones into two variants, and earn artifacts. This allows you to shape your gameplay and experiment with different playstyles. Perhaps you’ll develop a strategy centered around unleashing a flurry of cheap yet powerful attacks, amplifying their strength with buffs. Alternatively, you might opt for a tanky build that applies corrosive effects before sitting back and witnessing your enemies crumble. On the other hand, a zippy build can focus on creating vulnerabilities on specific blocks, zooming between lanes to exploit them and then swiftly retreating.
If this galactic adventure of deck-building and dungeon-crawling piques your interest, you can download the Cobalt Core demo from its Steam page. While the demo may not be extensive, it offers enough gameplay to captivate and leave you eagerly anticipating the full game’s release on November 8th. Furthermore, the game will also be available on Nintendo Switch, expanding the platform options for avid gamers like yourself.
The Cobalt Core demo has even caught the attention of the Indiescovery podcast gang, who had the opportunity to play the game at Pax East earlier this year. Their enthusiasm for the game further solidifies its potential as a must-play for fans of the genre.
Cobalt Core presents an innovative blend of deck-building and dungeon-crawling within a galactic setting. With its intriguing gameplay mechanics, a wide variety of strategic options, and the allure of a time-loop adventure, this demo holds great promise. So, buckle up, prepare for an interstellar journey, and dive into the Cobalt Core demo to experience the thrill for yourself.
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