Power Chord Preview - Rock ‘n Roll Slay The Spire
There’s a highlander wearing a kilt with an axe guitar combo on the left-hand side of the stage, strumming notes that send shockwaves to the other side, obliterating red-skinned demons adorned with vintage punk rock helmets. It’s a metalhead power fantasy with riffs that literally rip—sprinkle in a few roguelike elements alongside a deck of cards and you’ve got 2022’s version of Slay the Spire, but with a little more rock ‘n roll.
Power Chord is pretty simple. You have a map that you chart yourself, leading to fights, bosses, shops, and health drops, carving out your own journey to the final big bad of each segment. Along the way, you collect cards that are specific to each of the four members of your band, cards you can use to heal, armour up, or attack. It’s a Monster Train-inspired roguelike, but with a unique style that celebrates punk, rock, and metal—from the swinging ‘60s to the emo ‘00s.
RELATED: I've Been Playing Downwell For Five Years, And I Won't Stop
My favourite band member is Grimnir Brawlfist, not just because his name is as metal as his aforementioned kilt and axe guitar, but because he’s a rage-fuelled damage dealer that turns incoming attacks into powerful counters. Each of the four has their own interesting spin which works in tandem with the others, creating a near-perfect synergy if you deal the right cards. It’s a lot like a real band, only instead of instruments flowing together to make for a metal ballad, you have graffiti guns firing off on all cylinders, notes that shatter bone, and maces that crush skulls.
Card games are a dime a dozen nowadays—whether you’re dipping into the world of tabletop or browsing Steam for something new to play, you’ll find a gazillion to try out. But developer Big
Read more on thegamer.com
