PS5 just got one of this decade’s most underrated games

If you missed out on the fantastic Monster Train when it originally launched on PC in 2020, now is the perfect time to catch up on one of the best roguelike deck-builders. The indie highlight is now available on PlayStation 5 and it’s as inventive as ever. On paper, Monster Train may sound like any other card battler following in the wake of Slay the Spire. You will choose a path through various stages, engage in turn-based combat, and build your deck until you either fail or reach the end (usually the former).

Where Monster Train diverts from others in the space is how battles are structured. I admit that I wasn’t sold on the game by its description due to how overwhelming and complex deck-builders can get. Just like Marvel’s Midnight Suns, however, you shouldn’t let your aversion to cards turn you off from an amazing and addictive title. And if you already love card games, this is one train you need to catch.

All aboard the Monster Train

In Monster Train, players control several demon forces attempting to bring the last embers of hell via train across a frozen tundra while angelic forces attempt to snuff it out for good. It’s a serviceable story to get the action going, though narrative isn’t the draw here.

Ingenious gameplay, on the other hand, is where Monster Train burns brightest. Players select a primary and secondary clan which dictate their main champion card, as well as what other secondary monsters and spells they get access to in battle. These fights aren’t structured like any other deck-builder. The train is four stories high with a precious pyre at the top. Each encounter sees enemies enter from the bottom and attempt to reach the top to attack and eventually destroy the pyre. If its HP hits zero before the train gets to its destination, it’s game over. It’s deck-building combined with a tower defense game.

Between turns, players can place monsters on various floors with health and attack values — plus additional special conditions and traits — to