Slay the Spire
News, coverage and analysis tracking Slay the Spire across the outlets.
Latest coverage
From Slots to Skill Trees: Where Xbox and Casino Games Meet
This article analyzes the intersection of Xbox games and casino mechanics, particularly focusing on how elements like wheelspins in Forza Horizon 6 borrow from slot machines. It contrasts these with progression systems in games like Starfield and Sea of Thieves, which lack random elements. The piece clarifies that while games may use casino-like staging, they are not gambling products unless real money can be withdrawn, a distinction highlighted by regulatory frameworks in places like Ontario.
RimWorld switches engine from Unity to the devs' own, faster Waylith Engine, all apparently without breaking mods somehow
Ludeon Studios is switching RimWorld from the Unity engine to their in-house Waylith Engine in update 1.7, promising significant performance improvements of 2-4x. Remarkably, community mods and saves will remain compatible, though some older PCs may not run the new version. This move is seen positively, especially in light of Unity's past controversial fee changes.
Weekend Console Download Deals for Oct. 9: PlayStation Player's Choice sale
This weekend's console deals include PlayStation's Player's Choice sale featuring titles like Saros and Marathon, Xbox Game Pass deals with Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and Nintendo Switch discounts on indie games from the Triple-I Initiative Showcase. PlayStation Plus members can also claim F1 25, Hunt: Showdown 1896, and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 for free.
Games Inbox: Is 2026 really the best year ever for video games?
Readers discuss whether 2026 could be the best year for video games, citing potential releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Ace Combat 8. Concerns are raised about the future cost of consoles from Sony and Microsoft, while PC gamers seek exclusive indie recommendations. The discussion also touches on potential DLC characters for Street Fighter 6 and the desire for remakes of classic titles like Final Fight and Cannon Fodder.
Weekend PC Download Deals for Oct. 2: Steam Autumn Sale and friends
The annual Steam Autumn Sale has begun, offering discounts on a wide range of PC games, including recent releases and older titles. Several other digital storefronts like GOG.com, Epic Games Store, and Fanatical are also hosting their own autumn sales, providing various deals and free games.
The Royal Writ Review | TheXboxHub
The Royal Writ is a roguelike deckbuilder that innovates by removing traditional enemies, focusing instead on the player's deck eroding over time. While praised for its clever design and unique approach, the reviewer found it difficult to fully enjoy due to the lack of direct opposition and situational card design, ultimately respecting its originality more than loving its gameplay.
Heroes of Magic & Cards Review | TheXboxHub
Heroes of Magic & Cards is a roguelike deckbuilder that successfully merges poker mechanics with TCG elements, drawing clear inspiration from Balatro and Slay the Spire. While it doesn't introduce many novel ideas, it executes its core gameplay loop exceptionally well, offering deep strategy and satisfying progression. The game provides a meaty and enjoyable experience, though it may not possess the same addictive replayability as some of its genre peers.
Turn-Based Roguelike Flick Shot Rogues Is Out on Mobile
The turn-based roguelike and tactical strategy game Flick Shot Rogues is now available on the Google Play Store. Developed by Butter By The Fish and published by Noodlecake Studios, the game features physics-based dexterity mechanics where players flick their characters across a grid. An introductory offer provides a 25% discount on the full game for a limited time.
Grail Review | TheXboxHub
Grail is an ambitious roguelike deckbuilder that attempts a unique 'autopilot' card-playing system, where players manage decks and strategy but don't directly play cards. While the deck management and customization are praised as some of the best in the genre, the core gameplay loop of watching matches unfold without direct interaction becomes boring and unsatisfying. The game also suffers from slow character unlocks and a lack of compelling reasons for repeated playthroughs, ultimately failing to fully realize its innovative premise.
Weekend Console Download Deals for Sept. 4: Last chance for PlayStation's Gamescom Sale
This weekend features significant sales on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch titles, with many deals ending soon. Notable discounts include God of War Ragnarok, Red Dead Redemption 2, and various titles from Capcom and the PlayStation Gamescom Sale.
W4 Games raises $18M to expand its international team
W4 Games, a startup founded by former Godot veterans, has secured $18 million in Series B funding, primarily led by Tencent. The investment will be used to expand its international team, accelerate the development of its enterprise offering, and support the growing demand for the open-source game engine Godot. Tencent also signed a multi-year strategic partnership to help scale W4 Games and the Godot ecosystem in Asia.
Ray Chase, the voice of Cyclops in X-Men '97, has '1,000 freaking hours' in Slay the Spire and is running a 'smell build' in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: ' I wear perfumes and walk into battle with my fancy boy outfit'
Voice actor Ray Chase, known for his roles in X-Men '97 and Final Fantasy 15, discusses his extensive playtime in Slay the Spire, accumulating over 1,000 hours. He also details a unique 'smell build' in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and his love for lightweight PC games like Brotato.
The Best Games To Play When Your PC Is Basically A Potato
This guide highlights PC games that can run on older or less powerful hardware, focusing on titles that offer engaging gameplay without requiring high-end components. The selection includes a variety of genres from roguelikes like Balatro and Hades to simulation games like Factorio and Stardew Valley, all chosen for their accessibility and low system requirements.
Adult-Mode Play: Gaming for Real Life | TAG
This article discusses the concept of 'adult-mode play,' which caters to gamers with limited time and finite budgets, contrasting it with the industry's focus on engagement metrics and extended play sessions. It highlights games that support shorter playtimes and suggests a mindset shift for adult gamers to enjoy their hobby without guilt or FOMO.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 24: PlayStation & Xbox Summer Sales continue
The PlayStation Summer Sale and Xbox Ultimate Game Sale are ongoing, offering discounts on a wide range of titles for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The Nintendo eShop also features deals, including a sale on Balatro for the Nintendo Switch. PlayStation Plus members can also access free games.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 17: PlayStation Summer Sale & Xbox Ultimate Game Sale
This weekend offers significant discounts on PlayStation and Xbox digital libraries, with sales like the PlayStation Summer Sale and Xbox Ultimate Game Sale. Notable deals include discounts on Elden Ring Nightreign, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and various first-party and third-party titles across both platforms. Nintendo also has a sale on the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection.
Summer Vacation Handheld Loadout 2026 | TAG
This guide provides recommendations for pre-installing 4-6 games on handheld devices for vacation gaming, emphasizing variety and offline playability. It covers device-specific considerations for Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and iPad, along with strategies for battery management, cloud saves, and storage. The article also suggests backup activities and packing checklists for a seamless gaming experience during travel.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?
Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
Game Pass Adds A Fan Favourite As Eight Games Prepare To Leave
Xbox Game Pass is adding RV There Yet? and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 to its library across various tiers, including PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. However, eight games, including Rise of the Tomb Raider and Slay the Spire, will be removed from the service on June 30th.
