Review: FORCED SHOWDOWN
FORCED SHOWDOWN Review: A Peculiar Marriage of Action and Deckbuilding
As I settle into my leather armchair, vintage Montblanc fountain pen poised over my leather-bound review journal, I find myself contemplating BetaDwarf’s rather ambitious attempt to merge the sophisticated realm of deckbuilding with the rather more… pedestrian domain of action combat.
Presentation and Production Values
FORCED SHOWDOWN presents itself with a certain theatrical flair that, while not reaching the heights of more distinguished titles, manages to maintain a respectable level of visual polish. The game’s environments span multiple thematic realms, from torch-lit chambers to otherworldly battlegrounds, each rendered with competent, if not revolutionary, artistry.
The character selection interface demonstrates a commendable attention to detail, though it perhaps lacks the refined elegance one might expect from a truly premium offering. The particle effects and lighting are handled with reasonable sophistication, creating an appropriately dramatic stage for the ensuing combat.
Mechanical Framework
At its core, FORCED SHOWDOWN attempts to synthesize two rather disparate genres. The deckbuilding elements, while not approaching the complexity of genre stalwarts like the criminally underappreciated Duelyst, offer a moderately engaging framework for character progression. Each arena presents players with opportunities to deploy cards from their carefully curated decks, though the implementation occasionally feels more perfunctory than profound.
The combat mechanics, while serviceable, occupy a somewhat uncomfortable middle ground between tactical depth and arcade accessibility. The variety of environments and enemy types does provide some welcome tactical variation, though one occasionally yearns for more sophisticated strategic possibilities.
Companion System and Progression
The game’s companion system, dubbed rather preciously as “Puffs,” represents perhaps one of its more charming, if slightly superficial, elements.
While the creatures themselves are rendered with adequate charm, their implementation in actual gameplay feels somewhat underdeveloped. The collection mechanics, while present, lack the depth one might expect from a more thoroughly considered system.
Strategic Depth and Replayability
The game’s strategic layer primarily manifests through deck construction and in-match card deployment. While this system offers some interesting possibilities, it never quite achieves the sublime heights of more sophisticated deckbuilders. The various character classes and their respective playstyles do provide some welcome variety, though the overall strategic ceiling feels somewhat constrained.
Verdict
FORCED SHOWDOWN represents a valiant, if not entirely successful, attempt to innovate within the deckbuilding genre. While it demonstrates moments of genuine creativity and maintains a reasonable level of production quality, it ultimately falls short of true excellence.
The game’s greatest strength lies in its ambitious fusion of genres, though this very ambition occasionally works to its detriment. The combat, while competent, never quite achieves the depth one might hope for, while the deckbuilding elements, though serviceable, lack the sophistication of more focused titles in the genre.
Setting down my fountain pen and taking a final contemplative sip of Earl Grey
For those seeking a novel take on the deckbuilding genre, FORCED SHOWDOWN offers enough innovation to warrant attention, particularly at its current price point. However, those expecting the refined complexity of more established titles may find themselves somewhat underwhelmed.
Pros:
- Ambitious genre fusion
- Reasonable production values
- Varied environments and enemy types
Cons:
- Strategic depth falls short of genre standards
- Companion system feels underdeveloped
- Combat mechanics lack sophistication
Review conducted in my climate-controlled testing facility using a high-end gaming system worthy of such analytical endeavors.
Score
Overall Score: 6/10
Developer: BetaDwarf
Release Date: Mar 29, 2016
Steam Page: FORCED SHOWDOWN