Shroom and Gloom 1
Image: Devolver Digital

Shroom and Gloom is a game that I have known about for a long time, and it initially caught my attention due to its eye-catching graphical style. The game is made up of flat drawings that, when viewed from a certain angle, come together to create what looks like a 3D image – almost like a pop-up book. This creates a unique visual hook that immediately caught my attention.

Thankfully, this dark roguelike deckbuilder is more than just a pretty face; you grow your cards and are pitted against some mean fungal foes. The core gameplay is built around evolving two distinct decks: one for combat, ranging from basic slashes to some more advanced manoeuvres, and the other for exploration and upgrading your cards, unlocking new weapons and abilities.

There is heavy emphasis placed on the deck-building part of Shroom and Gloom, with even lower-level cards capable of being levelled into game-breaking behemoths, and rare late-game cards being even more monstrous in their capabilities. This deep levelling and modification system lets you pull off some really cool combos and gives a great sense of freedom.

However, if you aren't satisfied with just vanquishing mushroom monsters, then you can choose to roast and eat them to restore lost health, or go even further and turn them into a soup that grants bonuses when drunk. This feature adds another layer to the game, and, as the developer says, "Why block your enemies when you could eat them instead?"

Shroom and Gloom is a must-play for any fan of card-based roguelikes, and does more than enough to set itself apart from the crowd. If you're a fan of the genre, then you can pick up Shroom and Gloom on Steam right now for £13.99.