Balatro stands out as one of the premier card games available today, captivating players with its engaging gameplay loop that often leads to late-night sessions filled with the desire for “just one more run.” Yet, there are moments when a familiar experience with a unique twist is in order. For such occasions, I recommend revisiting the earlier title, Inscryption, which offers just that. This indie gem, rich in atmosphere and horror elements, deserves more recognition, especially now that it is available at its lowest price ever.
Exploring Inscryption’s Unique Blend
Following the trend set by numerous successful roguelike games, Inscryption reinvents the deck-building genre by introducing fresh and intriguing components. It artfully combines elements of horror, escape room puzzles, and a meta-narrative, creating a seamless blend that captivates players. The game is framed as a found footage experience, narrated by streamer Luke Carder, who emphasizes the importance of storytelling alongside gameplay.
The narrative unfolds as Carder discovers a box of rare, out-of-print cards from a game called Inscryption, leading him to a local location where he finds a box containing a floppy disk labeled—surprise—Inscryption. Despite numerous cautionary tales warning against such ventures, Carder dives into the mysterious game, encountering bizarre paranormal events along the way.
While Balatro and Inscryption share the commonality of card mechanics within the roguelike genre, Inscryption carves out its own niche by delivering an experience reminiscent of tabletop games like Pokémon TCG. Players, alongside NPCs, strategically place cards on a grid, each with designated attack and health values. As the game progresses, layers of strategy evolve, introducing new twists that enhance the overall experience—details I prefer to keep under wraps to preserve the element of surprise.
With its eerie charm and unsettling atmosphere, Inscryption is particularly fitting for the October season. Now is an ideal time to seize the opportunity, as the game is currently discounted to just .99 / £6.71 on Fanatical, reflecting a substantial 60% reduction from its regular price. However, this enticing offer is time-sensitive, concluding on Thursday, October 23, at 3 pm PT / 6 pm ET / 11 pm BST, so be sure to secure your copy while the discount lasts.
If you’re in search of something even more spine-chilling than Inscryption, our curated list of the best horror games features a blend of timeless classics and thrilling new releases that promise to keep you on the edge of your seat. Conversely, if a narrative-driven experience is what you seek, our selection of the best story games will provide hours filled with unexpected plot twists and memorable characters.
Inscryption may be a labyrinth of tricks and mind-bending narratives, but one thing is certain: joining our vibrant PCGamesN Discord server is no trick at all.