Deified

Deified delivers a good mix of interlocked systems that deeply influence its turn-based battles. Players need to think about permanent upgrades and cartographer choices before they even start a run. Once Sator enters the temple, it’s important to consider the best possible artifact combinations and opportunities to get health back, while thinking about the build that can deal with the coming boss. The game’s difficulty curve means that it’s tough to get past more than the first boss without investing in upgrades, which requires multiple runs focused on obol acquisition, by which point the battles might lose some of their fun. Deified is a solid run-driven video game that asks players to invest time and energy to unlock all its shiny combat toys.

Deified is a solid turn-based combat roguelike that should appeal to fans of the niche with its slightly faster pacing. However, I don’t expect it to change anyone’s mind if they aren’t already fans of similar titles, and the game’s difficulty curve and grindy nature might keep some players from enjoying it to the fullest.