Deck-building games, whether virtual or physical, have always been popular. The blend of strategy, luck, and competitive edge never gets old. Therefore, when I was offered Floppy Knights, I didn’t hesitate. Yes, I could have waited to play it on Xbox Game Pass, but I was impatient. Consequently, my week-long delve into its madness has been enjoyable and tough.
Developed by Rose City Games and published by Wiip, this is a deck-building strategy title. It is vivid, colourful, and has a bizarre and whimsical story. Furthermore, it’ll tap into your inner geek, and its cutting dialogue will make you chuckle. On top of this, it has bite-size missions, a challenge mode, and plenty of crazy characters. Therefore, it can be played casually between other titles.
Floppy Knights is just silly.
When the plot revolves around an inventor and her BFF robot, you know it’s going to be silly. What’s more, the missions are strange, the monsters bizarre, and everything is a tad surreal. However, I loved how absurd it was, and I enjoyed the crazy roller-coaster ride. The plot focuses on Phoebe and her robot Carlton. This pair of wannabe heroes are desperate to buy their own place, but money is hard to come by. Thankfully, odd jobs are readily available, and these form the backbone of the plot. Ultimately, the duo wants to compete and win the inventors’ competition. Sadly, though, things don’t go as planned, so their whacky adventure begins.
The action utilises key deck-building mechanics. Therefore, if you are familiar with the genre, you’ll feel right at home. However, there is a twist to proceedings! Not only will you use tried and tested elements, but you’ll deal with turn-based gameplay as well. Now, this may seem like a ballache, but it isn’t. The two mechanics work perfectly, as it supports the strategy theme.
Commanders, grunts, and deck building.
The story comprises an array of unique areas, each of 4 stages. During each chapter, you’ll face different enemies and environmental dangers. Each of these problems can be used to your advantage, but you must think wisely. You can use woods, trees, or rocks to protect you. Alternatively, you can use lava, boulders, and more to attack your foes. Either way, you are free to choose your approach and this was fantastic.
Your deck is the most crucial aspect of the game. It comprises a commander, grunts, and action cards. The latter is formed of attack, defence, healing, and more. Each must be used wisely, as your turn has limited action points. What’s more, your commander must survive, otherwise, your quest is failed.
If you’ve played the genre before, this will feel familiar. I appreciated its simplicity, elements of luck, and special unit cards. If you are fortunate, you’ll be dealt a good hand and the battle will be yours to win. However, this wasn’t always the case and therefore, you have to think on your feet.
When you win, you receive cards and cash. These are key to building an all-powerful deck of cards. With no more than 30 allowed in any deck, you must create cards and pick the best for each mission.
Floppy Knights is polished but simple to look at.
Having played indie games non-stop for the last few years, I yearn for something unique. Many of the titles look familiar, and it becomes tedious. Luckily, though, Floppy Knights stands out from the crowd. Yes, its style is simple, but it’s fun and funky and nice to look at. The cinematic uses 2D models similar to Paper Mario. These clean-cut sprites are full of character and will make you chuckle.
The simplicity continues within the grid-based missions. The top-down perspective is easy to navigate, clear to understand, and nicely varied. Consequently, each mission was interesting and challenging to tackle.
The charming audio is whimsical and jovial while enhancing the madness of the plot. There is a nice blend of upbeat songs and sinister battle music. This, combined with the loud sound effects, works effectively with the theme and the plot.
Excellent controls.
Because there are no time restraints, there is no pressure when taking your turn. Subsequently, you can explore the excellent UI and plan every move. Even though it wasn’t essential, the controls were responsive and well-thought-out. What’s more, the excellent tutorial makes this an easy game to play. However, you’ll still concern yourself with the correct deck and the right tactics.
Thanks to the extra challenges, different tactical approaches, and the vast amount of cards, Floppy Knights will keep you busy. Therefore, it has oodles of replay value and longevity. This is enhanced further because of its challenging achievement list.
Floppy Knights is great fun.
If you subscribe to Game Pass, or you love strategy/deck-building games, you’ll want to play Floppy Knights. Its story is silly, the action is challenging and enjoyable, and its art style and audio add depth and character. Yes, it isn’t as deep or as challenging as some of its peers, but it won’t take you years to master, either. Unsurprisingly, I loved it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you build a powerful deck of cards and win the competition? Complete your wacky adventures and show them who’s boss.
