Review: Usurper
Usurper: A Chess-Inspired Deckbuilding Triumph… Almost
As I settle into my leather armchair, vintage Montblanc fountain pen poised above my reviewing notebook, I find myself contemplating the rather intriguing fusion of chess and deckbuilding mechanics presented in Rogue Brain Studios’ latest offering, Usurper.
Mechanical Sophistication
Usurper presents an ambitious marriage of classical chess principles with contemporary deckbuilding elements, reminiscent of the criminally underappreciated Deep Sky Derelicts (2018), though executed here with considerably more refinement. The game’s core mechanic revolves around a resource management system they’ve dubbed ‘Power,’ which governs the deployment of your chess-piece cards.
The tactical depth emerges from the interplay between traditional chess movement patterns and the game’s novel resource economy. Each piece maintains its classical movement capabilities, but the introduction of a cost system creates fascinating strategic tensions that would have delighted the grandmasters of old.
Strategic Nuance
The game’s roguelike campaign structure presents players with an escalating series of challenges across ten rounds, each demanding increasingly sophisticated tactical considerations. The deck construction elements are particularly noteworthy, offering four distinct factions that each present their own strategic paradigms.
The implementation of an ‘Overtime’ mechanic adds a delicious tension to each encounter, though I must note that less experienced players might find this additional pressure rather overwhelming. The ability to ‘rewind’ moves provides a welcome safety net, preventing the experience from descending into mere frustration.
Production Values
The aesthetic presentation, while deliberately minimalist, demonstrates a commendable attention to detail. The pixel art style, though perhaps lacking the baroque sophistication of more lavishly funded productions, serves its purpose admirably.
The interface design shows remarkable restraint, though I couldn’t help but notice certain elements that might benefit from additional refinement. The sound design, while serviceable, occasionally betrays the game’s modest origins.
Deck Construction & Customization
The deck building aspects reveal considerable depth, offering players meaningful choices in constructing their strategic approach. The inclusion of ‘Gambits’ - special abilities that can be acquired during a run - adds an additional layer of tactical consideration.
The victory card draft system, while somewhat derivative of established genre conventions, implements its mechanics with sufficient uniqueness to maintain interest. The progression system demonstrates admirable balance between accessibility and depth.
Multiplayer Considerations
The inclusion of online multiplayer functionality is commendable, though the current player base appears somewhat modest. One hopes this situation will improve post-launch, as the competitive potential is quite evident.
Final Thoughts
Usurper represents a laudable attempt to innovate within the increasingly crowded deckbuilding genre. While it may not quite achieve the sublime heights of genre-defining titles, it demonstrates sufficient originality and mechanical depth to warrant serious consideration from enthusiasts of both chess and deckbuilding games.
As I make my final notes with my trusty fountain pen, I find myself rather looking forward to introducing this title at my next monthly soirée. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it certainly deserves a place in any serious collector’s library.
Pros:
- Innovative fusion of chess and deckbuilding mechanics
- Compelling strategic depth
- Well-implemented roguelike elements
- Thoughtful faction design
Cons:
- AI behavior occasionally inconsistent
- Audio design could be more refined
- Multiplayer community still developing
- Some UI elements lack polish
Recommended for: Enthusiasts of chess, deckbuilding aficionados, and those who appreciate strategic depth in their digital entertainment.
Elm Whitmore, PhD
Oxford University
Score
Overall Score: 8/10
Developer: Rogue Brain Studios
Release Date: Sep 9, 2024
Steam Page: Usurper