Zoeti is a turn-based roguelite that features a deck of playing cards used to create card combos and activate skills in the heat of battle. Bolster your arsenal of skills through battles, discoverable upgrades, or aid from the locals which enhance your plays to overcome the evil plaguing your land.
Players utilize a deck of playing cards to activate skill abilities in a turn-based, roguelite combat system. The twist is that players must form poker hand combinations (e.g., pair, full house, straight flush) to trigger corresponding skill effects. This poker-inspired mechanic adds an engaging strategic layer as players carefully manage their hand and decide which card combinations to prioritize each turn.
Instead of expanding a deck over time, the game allows players to customize a set of skill slots that can be swapped in and out between battles. This grants flexibility in building different playstyles, as players can experiment with various skill combinations to find synergies that complement their preferred poker hand strategies.
The three playable characters each have their own unique 28-card deck, which influences the available poker hand combinations and skill options. For example, the Assassin has more low-value black cards, incentivizing a different approach than the balanced Warrior or the Mage's focus on elemental spells. This character-driven deck design adds depth and replayability as players explore the nuances of each hero.
Players can discover and equip various accessories and artifacts that provide powerful upgrades and modifiers. These items can dramatically alter the gameplay, such as granting new skill effects, improving existing poker hands, or even changing how the core mechanics function. Strategizing around these transformative upgrades is key to succeeding in the game's challenging runs.
The turn-based combat and poker-inspired mechanics create a compelling roguelite experience. Each run through the game's story or randomized adventure mode presents new challenges, forcing players to adapt their strategy and skill loadouts on the fly. The thrill of discovering powerful new accessories, unlocking additional character options, and incrementally improving one's capabilities with each attempt drives the engaging gameplay loop.