Adorabyssal Oracle Card Game
A while ago I talked about Dread Draw, a card game that was also (supposedly) a fortune-telling tool. Now I’m going to talk about Adorabyssal, an oracle deck that happens to also be a card game.
Components
The deck contains 36 cards and comes with a guidebook. The cards all depict various supernatural and mythological creatures, as well as cryptids.
I love the little tin. It’s the perfect size to hold everything without too much excess space.
The guidebook is a little frustrating. It’s vertically oriented instead of horizontal, which makes taking notes from the guidebook a little annoying. Also, the details for the meanings behind classification, positivity, and element are at the front of the book, but not on the creature pages, which means a lot of flipping back and forth that gets pretty annoying.
The cards are all very cute. I love the art style. However, I have a slight issue with one of the cards.
This is the tsuchinoko card. The tsuchinoko is a Japanese cryptid that looks like a snake, except it’s wider around the middle. This doesn’t look like a tsuchinoko, it just looks like a regular snake. I’m heartbroken.
Adorabyssal as an Oracle Deck
Overall I really like this oracle deck. The art is great, I like the theme, and I’ve found it pretty nice to work with. I like that the cards are smaller than most other oracle decks I own because it makes them a lot easier to shuffle.
I’ve already mentioned my issues with the guidebook so I won’t go over it again.
Because a lot of the creatures depicted are malevolent, the deck can come across as slightly negative. If you’re getting this because it’s got cryptids and such in it and you like those things it’s not as big of a deal, but if you’re reading for other people who aren’t as familiar with them, they can end up focusing more on what the creature is rather than the keyword it represents.
How to Play the Card Game
Each player starts with 3 cards. The top card of the deck becomes the discard pile and the game begins. On their turn, a player draws 3 cards in any combination from the draw or discard pile. Then they play cards, either in pairs of 2 elements or 1 of each element. Each has a certain special effect when played. Players can play as many combos as they want, but they must be able to discard 1 card at the end of their turn. Play continues until a player cannot draw 3 cards. Their turn finishes and the game is over. The player with the most points wins; each pair is 1 point and one of each is 2 points.
Thoughts
The game is very simple and fast. The rules are simple and it’s easy to get into a rhythm.
There’s not a whole lot to it though. Games end pretty quickly and it’s almost always a close game. Also, because playing a fire pair makes everyone else discard, it can be hard to feel like you’re making meaningful decisions. It’s possible to lose your entire hand before your turn comes back around, and you’re just stuck relying on whatever you draw that turn.
It is fun, but my playtesters enjoyed it a bit more than I did. It can make a decent filler game for when you’re trying to decide on something bigger to play next, but I don’t think it could fill out a main spot in your game night line-up.
Verdict
If I was grading it as an oracle deck I’d give it 4, but since I’m focusing on the card game, Adorabyssal gets 3.5 out of 5 cthulhus. The game is fun and fast-paced, but ultimately a pretty hollow experience. You can get the deck on Etsy here.
(3.5 / 5)
Gaming
Lovecraft Meets Junji Ito in WORLD OF HORROR
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games.
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games. The game is available on macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This review will cover the Steam (Windows) version of the game.
You must explore the strange goings on around Shiokawa, Japan. It appears that eldritch forces have influenced the town in incomprehensible ways. So, attempt to comprehend these forces and maintain your sanity to save the town. Plan your investigations, choose between cases, and fight for your life.
There are a few game modes but three difficulty spikes. The easiest is a specific case with some random events. This mode teaches you the basic mechanics of the game. The harder difficulties give you access to an apartment and choices on which case you investigate. Completing objectives earns you customization options for the customized mode.
What I Like About WORLD OF HORROR
Running on GameMaker Studios, the pixelated aesthetic shows influences from Lovecraft and Junji Ito, though the latter more so than the former. WORLD OF HORROR haunts its viewers with its aesthetic, allowing the pixels to evoke those horror legends.
Random generation remains a key feature of the game, with various options and choices giving a massive variety. Your character also has some limited customization to access perks and further development. I will bring up some weaknesses later, but it is surprisingly vast. Adding to this variety, WORLD OF HORROR provides mod accessibility.
The combat allows for a great deal of thought and planning. You select your character’s actions within an action bar and perform the tasks (or combos) to beat an opponent. This JRPG style provides variety in action that makes it engaging and unique.
The random generation and variety make each playthrough different. You might acquire a devastating katana in one playthrough only to bleed out unceremoniously in another.
While not a terrifying gaming experience, WORLD OF HORROR strives to provide an eerie and intense experience. At this, the game is a success. The weird and unnerving collide to invest the player in this strange world.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Body horror deserves a mention, but the aesthetic and pixels doesn’t particularly evoke realism. Regardless, many designs evoke body horror.
Aside from this, here are some points of consideration. First, WORLD OF HORROR uses JRPG turn-based combat, which seems a point of division among some gamers. However, there are enough interesting mechanics and complexities beyond clicking an action and waiting your turn.
Second, WORLD OF HORROR isn’t a cult detective. You’re experiencing events and choosing how your character responds. Some sage wisdom I heard for WORLD OF HORROR is to focus on the whole campaign instead of a single case. Failing a case isn’t a game over, so prioritize your character’s longevity.
What I Dislike About WORLD OF HORROR
Only a few issues hindered my experience. Some scenarios replay on a single case, let alone a playthrough, which becomes repetitive. Some scenarios have multiple solutions to add variety or require perks to access new options, but that’s not always true. This issue makes the randomization taxing at times.
This next issue is likely a bug or an oversight. After losing my reason (sanity), I found myself still able to investigate despite the game claiming that means death. An unrelated event finished me off, but I can’t help but assume this is a bug.
Final Thoughts
WORLD OF HORROR has its quirks but earns massive replay value and surprising depth. It’s a unique and ambitious indie title worth the price. If Junji Ito’s style or cosmic horror is your particular brand of horror, WORLD OF HORROR delivers an experience you’ll likely enjoy. Though this combination synergizes well, few games combine these elements successfully.
(4.5 / 5)
Step into the mind-bending world of Eldritch Automata as we sit down with Game Designer Nick Francia at GenCon 2024!
Uncover the secrets behind this Lovecraftian mecha-masterpiece and get a glimpse of what’s to come.
In this exclusive interview, Nick Francia shares:
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• Unique mecha-infused gameplay mechanics Calling all Lovecraft fans! Dive into a world where eldritch horrors meet steam-powered marvels.
Eldritch Automata promises an unforgettable gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
👉 Ready to embrace the madness? Check out our playable demo at a con near you! #EldritchAutomata #GenCon2024 #LovecraftianGaming #IndieGameDev
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Jennifer Weigel
March 29, 2022 at 8:11 am
These cards are so incredibly cute.