Moonsigil Atlas is a new deckbuilding strategy roguelike by Snake Tower Games. Use the geometric shape of sigils from cards and fit them into physical space. Combine features from different cards to maximize their abilities. Published by Twin Sails Interactive (Ember Knights, Gloomhaven), take back the heavens today on PC/Linux only on Steam.
A Battle for the Heavens, Across the Atlas
It seems I’ve been running across roguelites and roguelikes across all sorts of formats. I suppose it helps being more familiar with the game formula now. Moonsigil Atlas isn’t anything like those that I’ve played before though. I was curious to see just how different things would be so here we are. Needless to say it was an entertaining experience. Check out my thoughts below.
Gameplay
Moonsigil Atlas is a deckbuilding strategy roguelike that uses physical space rather than an energy pool to take actions. Take back the heavens by traversing the Atlas as one of three characters. Cards contain sigil tiles of different shapes that are placed within the grid of a lunar board. Strategic placement and sigil synergy are key components to defeating the realm titans, whom have taken control of the heavens.
The Atlas is the means for pathing out the events for your run. Events in Moonsigil Atlas include such items as removing and adding tiles from your sigils, enhancing or modifying them, obtaining new cards and combat. Combat comes in the flavors of regular, elite and titan (end boss). There are three realms to traverse and your health carries across all events in sequence of the run. Thankfully there’s usually a change to heal partially before or not too many fights before facing the titan.
The three characters in the game are each available to the player without too much fuss. Each character has three sets of starter decks that are unlocked from defeating the three different titans with that character. They also each have ten levels of mastery, which unlock additional cards that can be found during runs. Cards are added to your deck after defeating celestial enemies or reaching an event point on the Atlas that obtains one from a pack. Finding and utilizing cards that work in combination can result in overwhelming offensive or defensive power.
Graphics & Audio
While I was in the process of reviewing Moonsigil Atlas, it became Verified for Steam Deck. I’ve been playing it about half and half between that and my PC. I’m always up for portable roguelikes with great but not overly complex graphics. It fits the bill with a simple encounter layout and the simple but dynamic sigils. The style of font chosen for the cards and interface is also crisp, clear, and easy to read.
The background music for the game sets the stage for encounters. It provides a chill, non-intrusive element while portraying how epic of a battle across the heavens would be. Another of those times where you don’t have to pay attention to it but could if you want. Sound effects such as sigils snapping into place and spells for damage and shielding are on point as well.
Longevity
The game itself is far from lacking content. I am over 20 hours in and have yet to defeat the last titan on a run. The randomness of events, artifacts, and rewards along the path add variety and replayability to the runs, so it’s not always exactly the same. At the same time though I wish Moonsigil Atlas had more depth. Like the ability to retain certain found cards, or making more use of the Astral Gems either between runs or more options during. Or being able to start with an artifact. …Perhaps that’s just the roguelite lover in me up against a roguelike.
Final Thoughts
It turns out that Moonsigil Atlas was an enjoyable foray into a different format for the genre. At the end of the day, however, there just doesn’t feel like there’s a whole lot there. There are three characters with their own card sets, artifacts for variety, and a variety of cards overall. But it seems like something is missing to give it the depth it needs. Still, definitely a Thumb Culture Gold Award winner!
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
If you enjoy this review, check out my other reviews here.
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