Yes, I'm back at "A" again, with a new title that was added to my library not so long ago.
Imagine gathering your friends around a discord channel, the excitement palpable as you embark on a new cooperative adventure. Across the Obelisk is a game that captures the essence of camaraderie, blending the chaos of multiplayer fun with the strategic depth of deck-building rogue-likes.
While it may not reach the heights of its inspiration and genre defining titles like Slay the Spire, it offers a unique, enjoyable experience that particularly tries to shine when played with friends.
From the get-go, the game’s art style is undeniably charming reminiscent of a Saturday morning cartoon. It’s simple yet inviting, creating an instantly engaging.
However, this charm can sometimes feel a tad crude or unsophisticated, particularly when compared to more polished titles. It feels lazy instead of low-budget.
The characters quirky and unmemorable, lack the depth and personality that would make them truly stand out. Their simple voice acting and mannerisms add a layer of individuality but leave little room for meaningful interaction or storytelling.
One of the most notable aspects of Across the Obelisk is its rogue-like structure, which introduces a unique twist on progression. Unlike traditional rogue-likes where each session builds toward incremental progress, this game often feels like it’s encouraging players to “save up” for big runs rather than aiming for the best possible outcome each time.
While this can be frustrating at times—especially when you’re eager to dive into the action—it does offer a sense of patience and strategy that some might appreciate. It’s a design choice that, while limiting, seems to only exist to boost play times.
Another significant drawback is the game’s reliance on DLCs to unlock additional characters and storylines. You see content in the game that you can’t access. This is particularly irksome when playing with friends who may have different DLCs, creating a sense of disparity in the cooperative experience.
Despite having more characters and cards than some competitors, Across the Obelisk doesn’t quite reach the strategic depth of games like Slay the Spire. While it’s accessible and fun, it lacks the complexity that would make it a truly engaging challenge for seasoned players. It feels more like a casual experience, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you’re looking for something lighthearted.
But let’s not forget what makes this game unique: its cooperative nature. Playing with friends over a local network or via Discord adds a layer of kinship and chaos that can’t be replicated alone. The joy of teamwork, the laughter, and the shared victories make Across the Obelisk more than just a game—it’s an experience that brings people together.
In conclusion, Across the Obelisk is a fun, accessible cooperative deck-building rogue-like that’s best enjoyed with friends. While it may not offer the same strategic depth or content variety as its competitors, its charm and focus on camaraderie make it a worthwhile addition to any casual gamer’s repertoire. If you want a better experience with friends, you might just have to wait a little bit longer, or perhaps look at something like Hellcard (which I haven't yet got my hands on)