Endless Adventure in Your Pocket: Dungeon Drafters Now on Switch

The PC demo of Dungeon Drafters truly made me fall in love with the game, and I can honestly state that it has evolved greatly from what the demo showed. I was therefore delighted to cover the game’s launch on Switch when the publisher and developer of Dungeon Drafters contacted The Daily Gamepad about writing a review, especially as I had recently acquired a Switch Lite. So do note that this review will be focused on the Nintendo Switch’s version of the game being played on a Nintendo Switch Lite.

Also, before I start my review, I’d like to inform the reader that the game “Dungeon Drafters” was provided to me by thedailygamepad.net and was given to the site for free by the game’s developers/publishers. On behalf of thedailygamepad.net, I’d like to thank the developers/publishers for giving us a free copy of the game to review.

Dungeon Drafters for Nintendo Switch is a unique blend of dungeon delving and deck-building that can be rewarding. In Dungeon Drafters, you must select one of six youthful adventurers, each with their deck, ready to explore ancient ruins in this tile-based dungeon crawler with roguelike features. Create your magic deck and explore ancient dungeons on a journey to rid the world of evil and forbidden cards.

Dungeon Drafters excels in its combat system. You create a card deck depicting spells, skills, and creatures. Each turn takes place on a grid, where you control your character and summon units and spells to defeat foes tactically. The card structure provides for excellent combo possibilities and forces you to continuously consider the best way to spend your limited mana.

It’s amazing how many cards there are to gather and how free you are to try out different tactics. You can construct decks with an emphasis on complex unit synergy, magic manipulation, or brute force. You can master a variety of character classes in the game, and each one has access to special cards that increase your strategic possibilities.

When it comes to the game’s dungeons, I like how you’re not forced to play only one and may choose from a variety of them. Each play generates a unique dungeon, ensuring that no two runs are identical. Changing layouts, enemy kinds, and environmental hazards keep things interesting. Some dungeons even have unique dynamics that require you to alter your strategy.

Although the game had some positive aspects, I felt there were a few areas that could be improved. The first is that menus can become cumbersome for Dungeon Drafters. Navigating your inventory, deck, and character powers might be difficult, especially with the Switch Lite’s tiny screen. The font can sometimes be small, making long play sessions difficult on the eyes.

The second thing to keep in mind is that this is a very harsh game. Be prepared to die frequently, particularly in the beginning. Overcoming obstacles can provide a sense of satisfaction, but frustration can arise from unclear in-game instructions regarding deckbuilding or the weaknesses of the enemy.

The fact that Dungeon Drafters is a gradual burn should be taken into account as well. It takes time to unlock new character classes, powers, and cards. This game might not be for you if you’re the type that has to be satisfied right away. The rewards are enormous, though, for those who relish the gratification of progressively assembling a potent deck and defeating progressively challenging dungeons.

While the main gameplay transfers well to the Switch Lite, the smaller screen and loss of usage of the second analog stick may be disadvantages. Targeting certain tiles during combat may feel less precise, and accessing menus requires more button mashing. However, the Switch Lite’s portability is a significant advantage for those who prefer dungeon crawling on the go.

All things considered, fans of roguelikes and deck-building will find that Dungeon Drafters on the Switch Lite provides a deep and strategic experience. It’s a satisfying adventure with plenty of replay value if you can get beyond the awkward menus, challenging learning curve, and sporadic frustrations. All you need to do is accept the challenge and be ready to put in the work.

The Nintendo Switch version of Dungeon Drafters was just launched on March 14, 2024, so if you’d like to play it for yourself, you can do so by visiting the Nintendo eShop. Although it normally retails for $24.99 USD, from now until March 21, 2024, it is only $19.99 USD. Additionally, you can play using Steam or itch.io on a PC, SteamOS, and Linux. Additionally, it is currently discounted to $19.99 USD until March 21, 2024, after which it will return to $24.99 USD.