StarVaders

“StarVaders is another great example of indie developers finding new ways to combine familiar genres. By blending grid-based tactics with deckbuilding and wrapping it in a roguelike structure, it creates an experience that’s easy to pick up but full of depth for those who stick with it. If you enjoy thoughtful strategy, experimenting with builds, and games that respect both your time and your curiosity, StarVaders is well worth checking out. It may not be driven by heavy narrative, but its systems will have you coming back to the stars and back. StarVaders is quite simply out of this world great.”

“StarVaders is a brilliant fusion of deckbuilding, tactics, and mech combat, wrapped in a polished roguelike package. It’s as much about building the perfect hand as it is about maneuvering on a grid. Every turn matters. Every mistake has weight. Every combo has potential. Yes, there are rough edges. Yes, you’ll probably rage-quit a run or two. But once the game clicks—once you pull off your first triple-dash into a reactive bomb chain that wipes the map in one hand of cards—you’ll understand why StarVaders has cult-favorite potential.”

“StarVaders is the epitome of a well-crafted deckbuilder—full of customization, packed with replay value, and infused with the spirit of a tactical board game. The art is fantastic, and the variety in classes and characters kept me up late, run after run, discovering new strategies and refining my playstyle. Every session felt fresh. If you’re a fan of board games, deckbuilders, or just smart, satisfying design, StarVaders absolutely deserves a spot in your collection.”

“Overall, I still enjoyed my time with StarVaders. I just wish the game wasn’t so punishing for those who want to experience the entirety of the adventure. As someone who managed to fully beat Slay the Spire, I expect difficulty in roguelike deckbuilders. But I also need it properly balanced. That said, if you enjoy tactical mayhem and need something fun to play, you’ll probably enjoy this adventure from Joystick Ventures.”

“StarVaders is a very addictive game that offers a lot of replay value. Its gameplay loop of defeating enemies with smart tactical manoeuvres, collecting cards to build a powerful deck, and repeating the process is a ton of fun. It’s not going to be for everybody and it can feel overwhelming at times with the stats, but after a while it’s a very easy game to pick up and play.”

“Over the years, I've played hundreds of dime-a-dozen deckbuilding roguelikes that try to achieve what the best in the genre have pulled off. Most of the time, they get a quick little nod out of me, an "oh that's neat," and then I move on. StarVaders is a unique game that not only captures that special energy that titans like Slay the Spire and Monster Train have, but even finds ways to take a few steps forward and chart its own place alongside them as a new standout of the genre.”

“StarVaders strikes a balance between accessibility and deep strategic layers. Whether you're a newcomer to the deckbuilding genre or a seasoned rogue strategist, there's something here for you. With tight mechanics, meaningful progression, and addictive replayability, StarVaders earns its place in the indie strategy spotlight.”

“StarVaders from developer Pengonauts is an addictive deckbuilding turn-based game with meaningful content and thick strategic gameplay options.”

“StarVaders is fun; it's a brain puzzle that requires planning and strategies with critical thinking while maintaining the outcomes of the cards the players end up playing. The game is entertaining and puts no stress on the players; it just supplies an interesting brain scratch for players who seek the challenge.”

“StarVaders is a creative and polished fusion of roguelike, deckbuilder, and arcade-style mechanics. While it’s built on a familiar formula, the vibrant design, strategic depth, and sheer fun of chaotic, combo-driven gameplay make it an easy standout in the genre.”

“One of my favorite moments was the first time I played the Stinger after unlocking it. I thought after playing several runs with the Gunner that I had the game pegged. Playing the Stinger forced me to completely relearn how to play the game as if I had just booted it up for the first time. Much later, after I finally unlocked the Keeper, it happened again. There are not many games that have ever managed to give me that fresh game feeling twice, and StarVaders did it 3 times. That’s pretty incredible.”

“StarVaders is a game that takes the best influences from the genre—the seemingly simple basics that can be iterated on to make it as complex as you want, mostly—and adds its own unique twist. Maybe the best way to describe the game is ‘what if Cobalt Core leaned more into Space Invaders,’ with this one taking the best from both of those classics without being a copy/paste job. The game looks classy, plays wonderfully, and sounds amazing.”

“StarVaders is a wonderfully addicting game, one I didn’t expect to be a highlight of mine this month. The underlying mechanics present can make or break a run in a multitude of ways, the bosses are frenetic and can really pose a challenge, the runs don’t overstay their welcome, and it’s got the visuals and music to boot.”

“Nailing all the key aspects of what draws players into the genre, each hour or so run is fast and fun. Amazingly, the characters play wildly different, from zipping all over the board to blanketing it with bombs. While StarVaders is missing that rare chance of a single card or move that instantly becomes overpowered, the power curve is typically satisfying. The only thing holding things back are the frequent freezes and crashes, along with Steam Deck problems of buttons freezing. Thankfully, the save system is forgiving, so these are only minor annoyances.”

“A near-flawless title, with an utterly fantastic gameplay loop, art direction and variety.”

“StarVaders is a really fun and solid deckbuilder, it is well made from many points of view. Even if it has room for improvement, it deserves to sit at the same table as the best "videodrugames".”

“StarVaders is a roguelike that stands out by combining dynamic tactical combat with a deck-building system full of possibilities. Even though it relies on familiar mechanics, the game impresses with its variety of strategies, diverse pilots and robots, and its vibrant, charismatic atmosphere. The experience also benefits from creative and well-designed battles, with enemies and challenges that require constant adaptation and encourage experimentation. Featuring a wide range of content, StarVaders is an engaging option for those who enjoy intelligent combat in a stylized universe full of personality.”

“This is a game with a galaxy’s worth of potential. Anyone is going to be able to find a mech that meshes with their gameplay style. Combining the addictive tile-based shooting/slashing mechanics with a roguelike loop makes this a game with endless replayability.”