Knock on the coffin lid is an Indie game that has been developed by Redboon, releasing in August 2024 on Steam. The game whilst reminiscent of standard deck builders and or roguelike tries to reinvent the genre, adding its own morbid tone and playing on every death is an experience, a reward and in turn an ability to try something new. Will this new combo change and define a new era for deck builders or become another discarded casualty for the card graveyard.
Let’s go digging and find some coffins!
Live, Die, Repeat – With a Side of Sarcasm
In the twisted realms of Midian, where the sun seems a tad too cheerful for the grim business at hand, we dive into a chaotic adventure. Here, a bunch of unsuspecting adventurers and their ever-so-enthusiastic lord, Ingvar, have met rather unfortunate ends. But fear not! Enter Mortis, the ultimate necromancer with a knack for resurrection, who’ll expertly drag these hapless souls back from the clutches of death. Each time they bite the dust, Mortis plays the ultimate revival game, tossing them back onto their relentless quest for vengeance. It’s like a cosmic game of “live, die, repeat,” but with a side of gallows humor and relentless determination.
As you plunge deeper into this delightful horror show, you’ll run into Millenis, Mortis’s ambitious apprentice, who’s decided that sticking to her oath is so last season. Now, she’s running her own diabolical play to usurp Mortis and take the throne of Midian. What a plot twist! You’ll find yourself tangled in a web of loyalty, pitting yourself against Millenis while deciding where your own allegiance lies, are you team Mortis or team “let’s overthrow the undead”? And for those of you feeling particularly bloodthirsty, there’s always the option to take them both out and put an end to this never-ending nightmare. Just imagine the delight of breaking a vicious cycle with a sprinkle of mayhem, In this exhilarating chaos.
Cards, Curses, and Character Chaos
In Knock on the Coffin Lid, you’ll step into a captivating card roguelike that at first glance seems familiar, yet reveals a deeper story about life, death, and the choices that ultimately shape your journey. You begin your adventure with Persival, a sword-wielding warrior bent on vengeance after discovering the demise of himself and his lord.
As you navigate the challenges ahead, you’ll unlock two intriguing additional characters. There’s Bjorn, a shape-shifting lycan elf with a thirst for battle and a deep mistrust of everyone around him. Then you have Vanadis, a spirited rogue armed with her bow, who constantly feels hunted and is determined to carve out her own path to the throne for personal gain.
Combat in the game is a mix of satisfaction and frustration, with moments that can swing from thrilling to tedious, you must pay close attention to your deck upgrades—having too many curses or burn cards can lead to your downfall, often before you even see it coming. As you progress, the odds feel increasingly stacked against you. You’ll encounter additional curses, tougher foes, and more challenges designed to thwart your progress and put an end to your playthrough.
In my opinion where the game truly excels is in its challenge mode. This feature lets you dive into custom scenarios or tackle various daily challenges using any of the characters available. Each playthrough is randomized, offering a fresh experience with a plethora of challenges, cards, and equipment to experiment with, ensuring no two sessions are ever the same.
A Beautiful Nightmare You’ll Want to Revisit
The game presents a visually striking experience, showcasing unique and high-quality graphics that enhance its dark atmosphere as players progress through various levels and maps. Each encounter introduces breathtaking environments and meticulously designed enemies. The attention to detail truly sets this game apart from others in its genre, effectively reinforcing the sombre narrative. Additionally, the exceptional soundtrack and voice acting enrich the storytelling, making each stage feel immersive and cohesive. I cannot commend the artists enough for their outstanding work.
Death is Just the Beginning – And It’s Brilliant
The game definitely has its charm, along with a dash of morbid humor that’s perfectly in line with its quirky title. It carves out a unique little niche within the genre, reminding players that, yes, death isn’t the end but part of the endless loop we get caught up in. Surprisingly enough, that cycle comes with its own rewards, making each demise feel less like a setback and more like a bumpy ride. Overall, I think this game is a fantastic addition to the genre. With current updates and DLC content already in tow, it seems poised for a bright future.
What truly stands out is how the game stretches the limits of its genre while still tipping its hat to classic themes and an unconventional play style. I’m thoroughly impressed and can’t wait to see what Redboon cooks up next!