Review: Hunt the Pale Gods
Hunt the Pale Gods: A Descent into Eldritch Deckbuilding Excellence… Almost
In the ever-expanding cosmos of deckbuilding roguelikes—a genre now so saturated that one can scarcely peruse Steam without tripping over yet another aspirant to Slay the Spire’s throne—it takes a certain audacity to demand the attention of the discerning player. Hunt the Pale Gods, the inaugural effort from solo developer Nick Papageorgiou, makes precisely such a demand, and does so with a refreshing blend of mechanical innovation and atmospheric cohesion that warrants, at minimum, a raised eyebrow from even the most jaded connoisseur of the form.
A Macabre Dance of Cards and Movement
What immediately distinguishes Hunt the Pale Gods from its contemporaries is its spatial combat system. While lesser titles are content to position adversaries in a linear fashion—a design choice that, while serviceable, hardly taxes the intellect—Papageorgiou introduces a grid-based battlefield that transforms each encounter into a tactical ballet of positioning and opportunity cost. One does not merely play cards; one orchestrates a macabre dance of advance and retreat, of offensive flourish and defensive reposition.
The implementation of this system demonstrates a commendable understanding of what makes spatial combat engaging. Red tiles indicating movement options, hazardous terrain that punishes careless positioning, and enemies with area-of-effect capabilities all contribute to a combat experience that rewards forethought rather than merely optimizing damage output. It’s reminiscent, in its better moments, of the criminally underappreciated Regulars of Ruin—though executed with considerably more panache and visual coherence.
The “STAGGER” mechanic further enriches this tactical layer, creating windows of vulnerability that the astute player can exploit. Breaking an enemy’s composure through sustained assault creates momentary advantages that can decisively alter the course of an encounter—though one must remain vigilant, as the player character is equally susceptible to such momentary lapses. This creates a delightful tension between aggressive and conservative play styles that remains engaging even after dozens of hours.
Aesthetic Coherence and Eldritch Atmosphere
Visually, Hunt the Pale Gods demonstrates a remarkable commitment to aesthetic coherence. The Lovecraftian influences are abundantly evident, yet the game avoids the more pedestrian trappings of the cosmic horror genre. Rather than relying on an excess of tentacles and incomprehensible geometry—the lazy shorthand for eldritch horror that plagues lesser titles—Papageorgiou crafts an atmosphere of dread through judicious use of color, lighting, and negative space.
The phosphorescent emerald beams that pierce the darkness, the spectral turquoise emanations from crystalline formations, the judicious application of crimson accents against a predominantly cool palette—all contribute to an atmosphere that evokes the uncanny without descending into parody. One is reminded, at times, of the visual sensibilities displayed in Inscryption, though Hunt the Pale Gods establishes its own distinctive aesthetic identity.
Particularly noteworthy is the “EXALTED” state, which transforms the visual landscape into a hauntingly beautiful tableau that would not feel out of place in a Caspar David Friedrich painting, were he to work in digital media. These moments of visual splendor provide welcome contrast to the otherwise oppressive atmosphere, creating a rhythm of tension and release that prevents aesthetic fatigue.
Mechanical Depth and Deckbuilding Nuance
The deckbuilding mechanics themselves are, I’m pleased to report, substantially more sophisticated than the genre’s median offering. The division of cards into five distinct thematic categories—Primordial, Progeny, Abyssal, Umbral, and Eye—provides a robust framework for strategic differentiation while maintaining sufficient mechanical overlap to reward creative hybridization.
The Primordial cards, with their emphasis on savagery and blood magic, offer a directness that appeals to the more straightforward player, while the Progeny cards, manipulating time and space, cater to those who prefer a more cerebral approach. The Abyssal and Umbral categories explore the depths and shadows respectively, while the Eye introduces elements of eldritch knowledge and cleansing flame. This thematic differentiation is not merely cosmetic but manifests in distinct mechanical identities that encourage specialized deckbuilding strategies.
Particularly intriguing is the system of “Divine Cards”—exceptionally rare rewards obtained from defeating powerful adversaries. These cards function as run-defining acquisitions, unlocking synergies and combinations that can dramatically alter one’s strategic approach. It’s a system reminiscent of Monster Train’s champion upgrades, though implemented with sufficient distinctiveness to avoid feeling derivative.
The inclusion of over 120 “Curios”—artifacts that modify the fundamental rules of play—further enriches the strategic landscape. While I’ve encountered similar systems in other titles, the sheer quantity and variety of these game-altering items ensures that even after extensive play, one continues to discover novel interactions and possibilities.
Character Selection and Progression
The character selection screen presents us with a roster of 11 distinct “Hunters,” each offering unique starting conditions and mechanical proclivities. The presentation of these characters is particularly noteworthy—rendered in a stark, haunting art style that evokes both melancholy and determination.
The Fisherman, for instance, begins with a specific complement of cards and an “Engraved Ring” that applies the STAGGERED status while granting health and card draw—a distinctive starting position that encourages specific strategic approaches without overly constraining the player’s options.
The progression system, while perhaps not as nuanced as Slay the Spire’s ascension levels, provides a meaningful metric of achievement. The “Hunt rank” system creates a structured path for increasing difficulty, though I found the scaling somewhat less elegant than in more established titles. The difficulty curve occasionally exhibits jarring spikes rather than a smooth gradient—a minor blemish on an otherwise well-considered system.
Shortcomings and Opportunities for Refinement
No critical assessment would be complete without acknowledging areas for improvement, and Hunt the Pale Gods, for all its merits, is not without flaws.
The enemy variety, while initially impressive, begins to reveal its limitations after extended play. The five aspects of the Pale Gods provide distinct thematic cohorts of adversaries, but within each cohort, strategic repetition becomes evident. A more diverse array of behavioral patterns and mechanical identities would substantially enhance the game’s longevity.
Similarly, the run length occasionally feels excessive. A complete successful run can demand upwards of three hours—a significant time investment that, combined with the game’s unforgiving nature, can lead to frustration when a promising run collapses in its final stages due to resource attrition or an unfortunate sequence of card draws.
The health economy, in particular, feels somewhat parsimonious. The limited opportunities for substantial health restoration create a war of attrition that, while thematically appropriate for a horror-tinged experience, can undermine the satisfaction of otherwise successful strategic planning. The “Lantern” rest sites, offering a mere 20 HP restoration, often present an agonizing choice between immediate survival and long-term deck optimization.
Finally, a handful of cards still display placeholder artwork—a minor cosmetic issue, to be sure, but one that detracts from the otherwise impressive visual cohesion. One hopes this will be addressed in future updates.
Conclusion: A Worthy Addition to the Discerning Player’s Library
Despite these criticisms, Hunt the Pale Gods stands as a commendable achievement in the deckbuilding roguelike genre. It demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of what makes the form engaging while introducing sufficient innovation to distinguish itself in an increasingly crowded market.
The spatial combat system, atmospheric coherence, and mechanical depth combine to create an experience that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability. The horror elements are integrated thoughtfully rather than gratuitously, creating a thematic framework that enhances rather than obscures the underlying systems.
At a price point of $14.99, it represents excellent value for the discerning player. While it may not quite reach the rarefied heights occupied by the genre’s defining works, it comfortably exceeds the median offering and provides dozens of hours of engaging gameplay.
As I close my vintage Montblanc fountain pen and review my extensive notes—collected over countless hours of play across multiple runs—I find myself compelled to recommend Hunt the Pale Gods to enthusiasts of the deckbuilding genre, particularly those with an appreciation for tactical depth and atmospheric horror. It is not a perfect game, but it is most certainly a good one, and occasionally, in its finest moments, it approaches greatness.
Hunt the Pale Gods will be available on Steam from March 5, 2025.
Score
Overall Score: 7/10
Developer: Nick Papageorgiou
Release Date: Mar 5, 2025
Steam Page: Hunt the Pale Gods