The Gamers with Glasses Show, Episode 14: The Deckbuilding Special

We discuss the games we’re playing, including Psychonauts, Demon Souls, Dorfromantik, 12 Minutes, Road 96, and Death Stranding. We then turn to our special topic, deckbuilding games: Are deckbuilding games really just math in disguise? What’s the sweet spot between simplicity and complexity in deckbuilding mechanics? Can deckbuilders tell moving stories? Do players weave their own stories through their strategies and choices? What’s the difference between card-based battlers and JRPGs or turn-based RPGs? Why are so many deckbuilding games also roguelikes? How do digital deckbuilders compare to collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering? Deckbuilding games we discuss include: Slay the Spire, Monster Train, Black Book, Signs of Sojourner, Nowhere Prophet, digital versions of Magic, Banners of Ruin, and more.

Our spoilercast for Psychonauts 2 will go up soon! For some suggestions for deckbuilding games (after you’ve burned out on Slay the Spire), check out our article “Life After Slay the Spire.”