Gameplay footage provided by a live VOD from my Twitch streams! This footage comes straight from CheckpointVibes, where I stream chill, cozy, and sometimes chaotic 21+ gameplay sessions.

⚠️ Please note: there may be explicit language, and some moments might not be safe for work.


DeveloperMONO ENTERTAINMENT
PublisherKodansha
GenreRoguelike DeckBuilder
Release DateNov 5, 2025
Price9.99 USD
PlatformsPC
Nintendo Switch
SteamSteam
Nintendo Switch

The Fable: Manga Build Roguelike is one of those games that immediately stands out—not just because of its style, but because it commits to its concept in a way that feels thoughtful and genuinely fun. Huge thank you to the developers and publishers for providing TheDailyGamepad.net with a free copy to stream and review. It was a pleasure diving into this one.

One of the most refreshing elements of the game is its right-to-left manga panel layout. Every move—kicks, taunts, counters, parries—gets placed onto a panel, and once you fill a full page, your character runs through the sequence like a fight scene unfolding in a manga.

It’s clever, it’s thematic, and it adds a layer of creativity to combat that sets the game apart from other roguelike deck-builders.

Players can select from multiple characters, each offering a unique combat rhythm:

  • Akira – balanced and already familiar to me from a previous run
  • Yoko – fast, mobile, and great for players who enjoy quick attacks
  • Suzuki – the seasoned hitman with heavier, more deliberate moves

Their different styles keep each run feeling fresh and encourage experimentation.


Your combat potential is tied directly to how you build your pages. Filling out a page fully can unlock bonuses like increased damage or stronger counters, and tape becomes an essential resource. You’ll use it to repair and extend your manga pages so you can add more moves.

While the system is fun, there are moments where certain moves can’t be placed due to direction or spacing limitations. It’s not game-breaking, but it does take a moment to adjust to the rules of layout and flow.

Enemy encounters are varied and can be surprisingly tough early on. Boss battles demand smart sequencing and resource management—some bosses even apply damage at the start of each turn, which seriously raises the stakes.

Between fights, you’ll pick up new panels, shop for upgrades, or take on small mini-games that influence your rewards. It keeps the pacing engaging and gives you something to look forward to between tougher encounters.

Visually, the game nails its theme. Panels tear as you take damage, animations pop with manga-style flair, and the whole presentation feels cohesive. The mature language and 21+ tone give the game a distinct edge, though flashing effects may be something some players (including me during the stream) choose to turn off.

Despite a few moments of frustration around move placement, I found the overall gameplay loop rewarding and enjoyable.

The Fable: Manga Build Roguelike offers a unique blend of strategic deck-building, roguelike progression, and manga-inspired storytelling. It’s creative, challenging, and full of personality. If you enjoy experimenting with combat systems, building out synergistic moves, and diving into games with distinctive style, this one is easy to recommend.

By CheckpointVibes

Hey, I’m CheckpointVibes over on twitch — your cozy corner of the internet where we kick back, light up (🌿 if that’s your vibe), and dive into all kinds of games. I’ve been gaming for 30+ years, and my love for the medium runs deep — especially when it comes to indie gems that bring fresh ideas and nostalgic feels. I especially enjoy platformers, puzzlers, RPGs, and I’ve recently fallen in love with shmups. Whether I’m showcasing an under-the-radar indie or diving into a nostalgic throwback, I stream to celebrate the creativity in gaming — and to give you a chill space to unwind. So whether you’re here to discover something new, take a nostalgia trip, or just vibe after a long day — you’ve got a seat at the checkpoint

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