Slay the Spire

- Reviewed on Switch 2 -

Slay the Spire released on November 14th, 2017.

Developed by Mega Crit and published by Humble Bundle, this title has earned its reputation as one of the best roguelike deck builders in recent years.

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

You play as one of multiple characters, each with their own unique cards, mechanics, and playstyle. 

The main goal? Climb the Spire, defeat powerful bosses, survive elite enemies, and strategically craft a deck that can overcome the chaos of each randomized floor. 

Every choice counts, from selecting your path to deciding which cards to pick and which relics to equip.

One thing that immediately stands out in Slay the Spire is its artwork. 

The card designs, backgrounds, enemy designs, and character art are all incredibly well done. 

Everything feels cohesive, stylish, and full of personality. 

I found myself often stopping to admire the design of cards mid-play, which is something not many deck builders inspire me to do.

Gameplay in Slay the Spire is smooth and fluid. I experienced zero frame rate drops or hiccups during my entire time on Switch 2. 

Each character’s mechanics vary widely, making each run feel fresh and strategic. 

You’re constantly evaluating attack combos, defense options, and health management, all while making route choices on the map that include merchants, campfires, enemies, and elite battles.

Progression doesn’t end with a single run. Every defeat unlocks new cards, relics, and options for future characters. 

This incremental growth is extremely satisfying, and it encourages you to learn from mistakes, experiment with strategies, and refine your decks over time. 

Even as a seasoned player, the game teaches you something new every run.

Beyond the core roguelike experience, the game includes leaderboards, daily challenges, and custom playthroughs. 

These additional features add tremendous longevity, giving players countless ways to engage with the game and keep it feeling fresh, even after dozens of runs.

The lore of Slay the Spire is another highlight. I really enjoy reading the compendiums and learning more about cards, relics, enemies, and bosses. 

There’s a depth here that rewards players who take the time to explore and understand the world. 

Every run feels like a small story unfolding, and it’s immersive in a way few deck builders manage to achieve.

The one downside I found is the music. While not bad, it isn’t memorable in my opinion and can feel a bit generic compared to the stunning visuals and gameplay mechanics. 

It doesn’t take away from the experience, but it’s worth noting as the lowest point of the title.

Overall, Slay the Spire is a masterclass in roguelike deckbuilding. 

The combination of beautiful card art, fluid gameplay, diverse characters, deep strategy, and replayability makes this an instant classic. I can see myself revisiting this game for years to come.

Pros: 

    - Stunning card and enemy designs

    - Extremely fluid gameplay with zero frame drops

    - Multiple characters with unique mechanics

    - Deep lore via compendiums

    - High replayability through progression, daily challenges, and custom runs

    - Strategic decision-making that rewards careful planning

Cons:

    - Music is unmemorable

My Rating for Slay the Spire (on Switch 2):

5 / 5

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Disclaimer

All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.