Snapshot
Indies' Lies injects new life into roguelike deck-builders by placing godlike characters at the center of a carefully crafted, strategic experience. Players are drawn in quickly by a loop that balances long-term progression with moment-to-moment decision-making, and the volume of unlocks and options keeps runs feeling fresh for dozens of hours.
Gameplay Flow
From the first run, the game asks you to think tactically and adapt on the fly. The core loop centers on three interlocking activities:
- Tackle procedurally generated encounters and branching paths that often include lighthearted mini-games.
- Invest in and unlock talents that change how your team plays.
- Construct and refine a powerful card pool that defines your team’s identity.
This structure rewards planning and improvisation equally: every choice can shift the course of a run, and the procedural elements ensure no two attempts look the same.
Systems and Progression
Indies' Lies layers several deep systems to keep the meta evolving over time. Key systems include:
- New content like the Puppeteer DLC that expands options and strategies.
- A massive card pool (700+ distinct cards) that supports varied builds.
- A Rune-based upgrade mechanic that lets you tinker with and enhance individual cards.
- A roster of 12 playable characters organized into four broad classes.
- Over 160 talents that provide meaningful customization for each playstyle.
Together these systems create emergent interactions, particularly when card synergies and partner combinations click—those moments feel notably rewarding.
What Works Well and What Falters
Strengths
- High replay value thanks to procedural generation and branching narrative routes.
- Deep combat design with satisfying strategic trade-offs and card synergies.
- Large volume of content—cards, talents, and DLC—keeps experimentation interesting.
Areas that could improve
- Character-specific narratives exist but sometimes lack the polish and depth of the combat systems.
- The sheer breadth of options can be overwhelming at first for players new to deck-builders.
Overall, the positives—especially the strategic depth and replayability—outweigh the rougher edges.
Other Games to Consider
If you enjoy Indies' Lies but want an alternative in a somewhat different tone, consider:
- Plants vs. Zombies (paid version) — a more casual, tower-defense oriented title with clear progression and distinct character roles.
Final Take
Indies' Lies stands as a strong entry in the roguelike deck-building space. Its team-based assembly, Rune customization, and expansive card library elevate the typical deck-builder formula. For players who appreciate strategic depth and the thrill of high-stakes runs, this game is well worth diving into.
Technical
- Windows
- English
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Russian
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Full