Griftlands is an interesting take on the roguelike genre, and while roguelike deck builders have been around for a couple of years this is the best of its kind.

Griftlands takes place in a futuristic world where humans and other human-like species populate. The player follows one of the three main characters through their own unique story and part of the world.

However, the plot of the stories didn’t really bring me in, and I will not be talking about that much in this review. Despite this, the world feels so interconnected. Every decision you make seems to have ramifications down the road. For example, if you kill a character one of the character’s friends will hate you which makes negotiations harder.

Choices are abundant

Nothing in this game is laid out for you. You are responsible for picking the missions, and how you will go about them. This comes into how you build your character.

The game is a deck-builder roguelike, but what makes this game unique is that you have a battle deck and a negotiation deck. The player has the ability to attack missions either by battling or negotiation which adds an interesting layer. Even within these decks, you have several different ways your deck can be built.

Outside of your deck you also have a choice when it comes to grafts which are permanent upgrades. Also, the player can pick up to three perks which are effects that are picked before the run even starts.

Endless content

Griftlands has a myriad of different ways to place the game. Outside of the base story with several tiers of difficulty unlocked through completing the game. The player can also play daily challenges, and a brawl mode that takes is a gauntlet of missions. However, all of these game modes share the same core gameplay.

Despite this, the game feels incredibly fresh 70 hours in. I have also not even become to scrap the surface of the content, as I still have further difficulties that need to be unlocked.

Conclusion

Rarely does a game come around that is so inventive, and fresh that makes me raise my standards for the genre. I wish I would have played this game sooner, but it is my current highlight for 2021. In a year that has underwhelmed me in regards to games, this is a breath of fresh air.

9.2

A masterclass in great design. Everything feels so thought out, but the game still has room to grow. A must-play for anyone who loves games.