I did a quick look at Slay the Spire here a little while ago and found that nobody talks about it these days without mentioning Monster Train and I can see why. The gameplay and structure is similar. Combat using cards, but in a rogue-lite style of game where you keep going, keep improving your deck and get to a point where you stand a chance and complete a run.
Art styles are different, core mechanics are different, but the games certainly feel like cousins. Same family, different parents, if that makes sense?
So, as any caring game uncle would do. I’ve decided to pit them against each other and see which game is the best. With so many similarities, it’s a nice comparison to make. Plus, with my recent love of Balatro, cards and roguelites have been pretty prominent in my gaming again.
Who has the winning hand?
Let the Clash of the Decks commence
Round 1: Gameplay – Ascendancy vs Ascension
- Slay the Spire: Pick a hero, and build a deck. Battling enemies and acquiring relics as you ascend the Spire. Each character offers unique mechanics, encouraging diverse strategies. However, some might find path choices less impactful.
- Monster Train: Craft a deck by combining monster and spell cards, strategically placing them on different levels of a train (3 lanes basically), and defend against attackers. Offers unique deckbuilding challenges and boss fights, but can feel less flexible in run variety.
Decision: Slay the Spire takes the round with its diverse character options and impactful path choices.
Round 2: Narrative – Spire’s Secrets vs Locomancer’s Legacy
- Slay the Spire: Unravels its lore gradually through environmental storytelling and character interactions. Hints at a larger world but lacks a central narrative focus.
- Monster Train: Presents a more focused narrative, following the protagonist’s journey to protect the train world. Offers interesting world-building and character interactions.
Decision: Monster Train wins this round for its more cohesive and engaging narrative.
Round 3: Visuals and Audio – Dark and Dramatic vs Grim and Grungy
- Slay the Spire: Dark fantasy aesthetic with detailed character art and evocative level design. The soundtrack is dark and atmospheric, setting the mood for the climb.
- Monster Train: Grungy, Lovecraftian art style with detailed creature designs. The soundtrack is industrial and unsettling, matching the game’s tone. I’ll be honest, it feels a bit “mobile game advert” to me, in terms of how it looks. I don’t like it personally, but it does work for the game.
Decision: Slay the Spire takes this one because it looks better to me
Round 4: Accessibility – Easier Entry vs Steeper Curve
- Slay the Spire: More beginner-friendly, offering gradual difficulty increases and multiple characters to learn the ropes. I found this an easier onboarding journey,
- Monster Train: Steeper learning curve with complex mechanics and unforgiving enemies. Requires more patience and strategic understanding to succeed. Once you “get it” you’re good, though.
Decision: Slay the Spire wins for offering a smoother entry point for new players.
The Verdict: Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire reigns supreme. In terms of gameplay variety and accessibility. Plus I prefer the visual style, all told, too.
Monster Train offers a more focused narrative and unique deck-building mechanics and is absolutely playable, but the winner has to be Slay the Spire.
Bonus Round: Which deck-building game to play first?
Do you crave strategic depth and a captivating story? Monster Train calls. Seek diverse challenges and an easier entry point. Slay the Spire awaits.
All this card game action recently has gotten me pumped again. I’ve been pushing hard on Monster Train, but if you’re after something similar but also incredibly different, you have to check out Balatro. I’ll be writing more about that soon.
Cards and roguelites were two things I never thought possible to effectively mix. Hot damn, I’ve been really pleased that these developers have not only pulled it off but delivered fresh, interesting and compelling games to boot!
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