“Black Book” is a dark RPG Adventure, based on Slavic myths, in which you play as a young sorceress. Fight evil forces in card-based battles and explore the world, where humans live alongside mythological creatures.
Players build decks of spells and abilities to use in turn-based combat against various foes. Reviewers praise the well-designed card mechanics, which offer a good variety of viable deck-building strategies and synergies to explore. Players can customize their deck between missions, allowing them to adapt to different challenges. However, some reviewers note that the card combat can feel overly simplistic at times, lacking the strategic depth of other deck-building games. The lack of a mana or energy system is seen as reducing the complexity of turn-to-turn decisions, and the inability to view the draw and discard piles is cited as a frustrating omission that undermines tactical play.
Players can "employ" demonic entities called Chorts to assist them. These Chorts can be sent out to harass or torment NPCs, but if left unattended, they will turn on the player, inflicting debuffs. Reviewers praise this system for adding an interesting layer of risk-reward gameplay, as players must balance using the Chorts' power against mitigating their negative effects.
Interspersed throughout the story are specialized "puzzle battles" where players are given a pre-determined hand of cards and must figure out how to win the fight within a set number of turns. Reviewers note these battles as being challenging and requiring strategic thinking, in contrast to the more straightforward standard battles. However, some mention that the puzzle battles can be frustrating, as players may not be familiar with the specific cards they are given, making it difficult to devise a winning strategy on the first try.
While the core gameplay revolves around card-based combat, the game also features light exploration elements as players traverse the rural Slavic countryside. Reviewers highlight the game's strong commitment to immersing players in Slavic folklore and mythology, with an in-game encyclopedia that provides detailed information on the various creatures, spirits, and traditions encountered. The exploration aspects, though limited, are praised for enhancing the game's atmosphere and allowing players to uncover additional lore and side quests. However, some critiques mention that the movement and camera controls can feel clunky, detracting from the exploration experience.