Guide puny humans through Despot's Game - a rogue-like tactics army battler. Equip your team and sacrifice them through procedural dungeons as you fight enemies, and other players!
The game presents a captivating gameplay loop that blends elements of roguelikes, auto-battlers, and tactics games. Players guide a team of "puny humans" through procedurally generated dungeons, equipping them with various weapons and classes to build a powerful army. Each floor offers a series of encounters where players must manage their resources, such as food and tokens, to strengthen their units and survive.
The core gameplay revolves around tactical considerations rather than reflexes. Players must carefully choose which weapons to equip their units with, as each weapon grants a specific class with unique abilities. Combining complementary classes, such as melee units to protect ranged attackers, is crucial for success. Positioning units on the battlefield also plays a key role in determining the outcome of battles.
One of the standout features is the indirect combat system. Instead of directly controlling the units, players set up their army and then watch the battles unfold. This allows for a greater focus on strategic planning and decision-making, as players must anticipate the needs of their units and make the best use of their available resources.
The game offers a vast array of class combinations to experiment with, from wizards and cultists to ninjas and "stale pretzel throwers." Unlocking new mutations and perks further enhances the depth of unit customization, allowing players to tailor their army to specific challenges.
The game incorporates classic roguelike elements, such as permadeath and procedurally generated dungeons. Each run starts from the beginning, with players having to rebuild their army and make strategic decisions to progress further. The unpredictable nature of the dungeons and the randomness of encounters and loot add to the game's replayability and challenge.
After completing the main campaign, players can engage in the game's asynchronous multiplayer mode, the "King of the Hill." In this mode, players' victorious teams are pitted against those of other players, creating a competitive leaderboard system. This adds an additional layer of strategy and replay value as players strive to optimize their armies to claim the top spot.