With the landscape of deck-building roguelikes becoming increasingly crowded, especially with anticipated titles like Monster Train 2 and Slay the Spire 2 on the horizon, it takes something truly special to capture attention. While some excel in unique art styles, others stand out with clever mechanical innovations. Enter Malys, a newcomer that skillfully combines both, boasting immersive worldbuilding from Summerfall Studios’ co-founder and former Dragon Age creator, David Gaider.
Malys, which recently exited its early access phase, immediately captivates with its distinct art direction and atmospheric tone. Players step into the shoes of Noah, a priest who has turned demon hunter. Your journey unfolds across a noir-soaked city, your ultimate goal: to track down and confront the formidable Malys, a demon of extraordinary cunning and power. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous city dwellers possessed by grotesque entities, each more unsettling than the last. This is where the unique card game mechanics truly begin.
The game’s battle presentation is truly remarkable. Each possessed victim is bound to a chair, while behind them, a twisted, gargantuan demon looms, its deep red form a stark contrast to the monochromatic world. Noah doesn’t rely on a traditional mana system; instead, he manipulates his own deck, burning cards from his hand to unleash the powers and tools necessary for exorcism. This ‘cost’ system of sacrificing cards creates a constant stream of difficult, strategic decisions about which abilities to prioritize and which to discard.
The game’s trailer showcases intense, stylized battles against various demons, highlighting the game’s unique card mechanics and the dark, atmospheric setting. It provides a glimpse into Noah’s journey through the haunted city and the diverse array of demonic entities he must confront and cleanse.
The challenge escalates significantly when facing a greater demon. These formidable adversaries initially mask their true form and name, leaving you in the dark about their upcoming moves until you successfully force their revelation. Once exposed, however, you’ll be subjected to their full, unbridled wrath, intensifying the stakes even further.
As your demonic foe weakens, you’ll enter the most tense phase of the exorcism. Drawing upon the very life force of their host, the demon unleashes its deadliest, most desperate attacks. This presents a critical dilemma: you must drive out the demon while simultaneously ensuring the host survives the ordeal. Should Noah fail to protect a host, or if his own resolve falters, the run ends. The night resets, with only Noah and a select few others retaining any memory of the tragic events.
David Gaider previously shared that Malys originated as a smaller, passionate undertaking. The team aimed to create a game with more substantial gameplay elements compared to their earlier narrative-focused titles. He expressed a personal fondness for deckbuilders, particularly roguelikes where the cyclical nature of runs is integrated into the game’s lore, meaning the characters themselves are aware of the repeated attempts rather than it being a meta-game concept.
If you appreciate a fresh take on a familiar format, and are looking for an immersive experience, this title offers compelling value. It’s certainly a worthwhile addition to any player’s library.
For more fantastic experiences from independent developers, explore some of the best indie games available. Alternatively, if you enjoy tactical challenges, consider diving into some of the top strategy games.
What are your favorite deckbuilders that manage to stand out from the crowd? Share your thoughts and discoveries with fellow players!