It’s not easy being a new roguelike deck-builder on the block, especially when everyone expects it to be the next Slay the Spire. There have been a plethora of such games finding success with fresh and nifty ideas though, like Monster Train’s vertical playing field and Balatro’s poker-themed delights.
So now it’s time for Wildfrost, developed by Deadpan Games and Gaziter, to try to stand out from the rest of the pack on Xbox.
In Wildfrost, a storm like no other has seen snow fall incessantly and the temperature drop to create a rather harsh environment for the inhabitants of Snowdwell. Many perceive the source of this icy phenomena to be something unnatural and have thus ventured to put an end to it. Up until now, every brave adventurer has been unsuccessful in reaching the heart of the storm. If you’re ready for the challenge, then perhaps you can do what’s necessary in order to bring back the sun to restore the light and warmth to one and all.
As is usually the case with roguelike deck-builders, the lore is not its strong suit by any means. The narrative here is told through a handful of journal pages that are found throughout the journey, providing an adequate premise for proceedings. It’s fine, but you’ll be forgiven for instantly forgetting the goings on as you become immersed in the actual gameplay. For this is where Wildfrost really thrives.
To start a run, a deck of cards is required and the only type available to choose initially belongs to the Snowdwellers tribe, after which you can pick a leader card from a randomly generated trio. You’ll face a series of battles on the path to the storm, where victory is secured by toppling the boss of the opposition. The boss, or mini-boss, won’t come alone however, with a small army of minions by their side to keep you on your toes. Your leader is the most important card you possess and must be protected at all costs because, should their health be depleted, it’s ‘game over’.
Each team has six spaces on the field of play – two rows of three to be exact – and the leader is always available on the first turn, before a hand of six cards is drawn. In simple terms, using a card sees the cooldown of both teams’ active cards, as well as the enemy reinforcement’s countdown, reduced by one. Once a card reaches zero, it’ll either attack or activate any special abilities it has. There are handy tutorial-like explanations for most of the things you’re experiencing for the first time, but you’ll get to grips with all the little nuances naturally through play.
The actual placement of the cards on the battlefield brings a whole layer of strategy to the table that’s only really understood when you see the action unfold for yourself. For example, you may want to shift a companion to bear the brunt of an attack, sacrificing said card to ensure the leader or another game-changer is protected. You’re able to move them around freely, changing rows and position, at any point as you try to pre-empt what’s going to happen next.
Making the most of certain card effects is tantamount to being victorious too, with an excellent array in place. Having the opportunity to apply snow to halt cooldowns, teeth to bite back when hit, shroom which inflicts poison, and demonize to double the damage received, can help turn the tide in battle. That’s merely a small selection, with more than ten different kinds to discover and use to your advantage.
While making progress on the adventure, you’ll pick up followers, item cards, and machines known as Clunkers to bolster your deck. But that’s not all, because charms can also be acquired en route to encounters, either free of charge or to buy from a merchant. These charms might increase the health of a card, allow a frenzy of multi-strikes, boost attack strength, add a special effect like snow, and even remove the limit on the amount of charms you can have.
In regards to the allies and enemies, the ideas are great as character designs are beaming with personality and abilities to suit. It’s tricky to conjure up fresh looking concepts, but Wildfrost manages to deliver here and everything comes across as original. Some highlights are the weakling Baby Snow, the rather sheepish Muttonhead, and the beast of a machine Krunker, which attacks a number of different tiles all at once in different patterns.
Everything comes together brilliantly and the random aspects of Wildfrost ensure you’re constantly creating strategies as well as working out which companions work well with each other. While you might fail a fair few times, every run becomes more varied as extra tribes, cards, and charms are unlocked by completing challenges. Thankfully, the challenges never feel akin to a chore and the majority are fulfilled quite organically. The only slight concern is the fact that there are only three tribes in total, so the choice of starter decks is a tad limited.
Whatever you do, don’t expect an easy run in Wildfrost, because even with luck on your side, a clear strategy must be employed to take down the tough bosses throughout. Should you eventually defeat what lies at the source of the storm, it’s not over and without spoiling anything, there’s a great twist to encourage further attempts. There’s also a chance to participate in a daily challenge outside of the main adventure, which features different decks and charms. It’s a good way to test your ability to adapt to whatever hand you’re dealt and how you stack up against folks around the world via a leaderboard.
The biggest compliment I can give Wildfrost is that it gets better and better with every playthrough. Failure is actually a good thing as you unlock cards to try and invent new tactical approaches in a bid to complete a run. Despite faltering in regards to a story, it’s chock full of personality character-wise, ensuring you become attached to specific companions and, occasionally, some foes. There’s a ton of replayability, but perhaps another tribe or two would help longevity long-term.
Without a shadow of a doubt though, Wildfrost is a clever roguelike deck-builder that’s worth your time.
Wildfrost Thaws Onto Xbox, Game Pass and Play Anywhere: A Cozy Card Battler with a Frosty Twist – https://www.thexboxhub.com/wildfrost-thaws-onto-xbox-game-pass-and-play-anywhere-a-cozy-card-battler-with-a-frosty-twist/
Game Pass Embarks on a December Adventure with New Additions and Departures – https://www.thexboxhub.com/game-pass-embarks-on-a-december-adventure-with-new-additions-and-departures/
Download Wildfrost now, on Game Pass if you like – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/wildfrost/9n061m9r7bvq
