Theseus Protocol

Do you enjoy deckbuilding games? Do you enjoy roguelikes? Then you might want to take a look into Theseus Protocol. This highly popular game is growing in visibility thanks to the positive publicity built up since it was released. By building a deck of cards that can be used to help you work your way through Mark City, the destination the game takes place in, you can uncover a deck-building roguelite with plenty of story to tell along the way.

A frequently used concept put together quite interestingly

In this game, you are set into a terrifying and dystopian world that asks a lot of you. You take on the role of Prometheus, and you are given a simple task: change the fate of your entire species. No small ask, eh?

While the deckbuilding roguelite phase was kind of started by games like Slay The Spire, there is much to admire about Theseus Protocol as you play it. You take on enemies in an intriguing combat system, and you work your way through the story that sees you try and unmask the true secrets behind Mark City. This is a terrifying place, where you journey across numerous landscapes and locales as you try and finally pull back the curtain and help your people see the truth.

This is a world enriched in conspiracy, and in many ways you might find a touch of horror in the way the story plays out. The combat system is engaging enough to keep you coming back for more, and the deckbuilding nature of each run means you always feel like you need to adjust your play style ever so slightly.

Turn-based card building that keeps your attention (7/10)

The main thing to note about Theseus Protocol is that it is not doing anything too unique. It retains much of the charm of a game like Slay The Spire, but also contains some combat similarities to something like Monster Train. Change positions, dodge enemy attacks, and make sure that you are able to use your cards wisely as they are capable of being used as ammunition for your weaponry in future battles.

Turn-based combat often needs a strategic edge to feel worthwhile, and Theseus Protocol does a fine job of making that the case here. There is much to enjoy from the combat system, and while the story is not exactly doing anything too unique it is interesting enough to keep you playing.

Theseus Protocol is very much a game that uses its excellent gameplay loop to keep you coming back for more. The non-linear nature of the story, though, means that you can see quite a lot of different opportunities and interactions across each playthrough. If you want to enjoy a story that is quite different – though never groundbreaking – then you should take a look at what Theseus Protocol has to offer.

Pros

• Excellent turn-based combat and deckbuilding system keeps combat fun
• Narrative plays out differently depending on your choice of character and path
• Deck building becomes easier with each run, incentivising repeat play-throughs

Cons

• Does not really do anything new or unique with the ideas or the genre
• Difficulty spikes can ruin the gameplay loop as you try and get to grips with Theseus Protocol
• Translation needs some work in a few areas