Oh!Ware, a newly launched deckbuilder on Steam, has recently made its debut, garnering a modest 23 reviews in its first week. This intriguing title caught my attention due to its unique gameplay mechanics, which draw inspiration from the ancient game of mancala—a pastime that dates back between 1,500 and 7,000 years. While it may seem like a distant relative to modern gaming, mancala’s strategic depth remains relevant, and Oh!Ware cleverly incorporates its essence into a roguelike structure.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
At first glance, the term “deckbuilder” might feel slightly misleading, as Oh!Ware utilizes marbles instead of traditional cards. This raises an interesting question: does this make it a bagbuilder? Regardless of the nomenclature, the gameplay is engaging and offers a fresh twist on familiar mechanics.
Upon launching the demo and bypassing the tutorial, I quickly realized that my mancala skills were rusty after a 25-year hiatus. Nevertheless, I dove into the game, moving marbles around, collecting mana, and surprisingly defeating a spider—an opponent that seemed ill-equipped for a game requiring dexterity and strategy.
As I progressed, I encountered the classic “pick three” mechanic, featuring whimsical options such as “blessing marble” and “aggro marble.” This delightful blend of humor and strategy invites players to explore different playstyles and strategies. Now, I find myself pondering whether to pursue an aggro meta or lean towards a blessing meta. The stakes are high, and I certainly don’t want to lose my marbles in the process.
