Griftlands

 PC
Griftlands Image
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

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  • Summary: Griftlands is a deck-building rogue-like where you fight and negotiate your way through a broken-down sci-fi world.

Trailer

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Griftlands Reveal Trailer | PC Gaming Show E3 2019

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. IGN
    Jun 13, 2021
    90
    This ingenious blend of RPG mechanics, visual novel-style storytelling, and deck-building roguelike gameplay is a beautiful recipe for a kind of game I never knew I wanted. Even though I’ve already spent the past week getting through each of Griftlands’ campaigns multiple times, I’m still looking forward to my next run – and the run after that. Campaigns are short and challenging, making them highly replayable and memorable adventures that reward your time. It’s kinda absurd that such an eclectic group of mechanics work together in such harmony, but once you’re bitten by their charms it’s quite hard to put Griftlands down.
  2. Screen Rant
    Jun 11, 2021
    90
    Griftlands does what it sets out to do, offering a wholly compelling and unique take on its genre influences. It's yet another excellent entry into roguelike deckbuilding experiences and is immediately memorable thanks to its reliance on world-building and character depth. Even better, the story of Griftlands is a fun jaunt through a sci-fi world that is buoyed by an even more exciting card game. Those who loved Hades, Slay the Spire, or similar games will find just as much to love in Griftlands.
  3. The Games Machine
    Jun 7, 2021
    86
    Griftlands is an atypical deckbuilding roguelite with an addictive gameplay formula and a top notch narrative. I can see myself playing this game for a very long time while trying to master everyone of its aspects.
  4. The Indie Game Website
    Jul 9, 2021
    85
    I really like how the deck-building mechanics reflect the dispositions of the different characters. You can see this in both combat and negotiation; Sal is pretty strong all around, which makes them a good choice for your first couple of runs. Rook flips a coin every now and then during negotiation that can produce a powerful boost. Smith builds up a stockpile of empty bottles while in combat which they sometimes hurl at their opponents. The result is a wonderful sense of ludonarrative consonance.
  5. PC Gamer
    Jun 22, 2021
    80
    Shortcomings aside, Griftlands is another slice of low-key brilliance from developers Klei. Is there a genre they can't do? The balance of narrative and deck-building made for a much more engaging experience than I often have with card-based titles, even if it feels like more could be done to connect those systems and bolster the storytelling. Still, I'm going to remember my adventures with Sal and the little moments of friendship and betrayal throughout each run. I like playing as a grifter; it ain't much but it's a living.
  6. Eurogamer Italy
    Jul 7, 2021
    80
    Griftlands is the new champion in the deck-building roguelike games arena, thanks to its original gameplay mechanics and deep/entertaining narrative nature.
  7. Edge Magazine
    Jul 16, 2021
    80
    Absorbing. [Issue#361, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Afghani
    Jun 7, 2021
    10
    One of the best, maybe even THE best, deck building game I have ever played. Basic cards and mechanics are very similar to Slay the Spire, butOne of the best, maybe even THE best, deck building game I have ever played. Basic cards and mechanics are very similar to Slay the Spire, but there is a lot of originality in gameplay (i.e. two separate decks build at once instead of just one) and card abilities/synergies. Aside of that graphics are gorgeous (if you are familiar with Klei's art style you will feel like home here, it especially resembles comic-like feel of Invisible Inc.), story is very good (as for card game, of course) and whole game is so addictive - OH MY GOD! Must play if you fancy deck builders and/or other Klei's game. If none of the above - feel free to subtract 2 points from my score. Either way - very good game!… Expand
  2. Dirc
    Jul 31, 2021
    10
    Fantastic narrative driven deckbuilder RPG with roguelike elements. Very smoothe and polished. Great art and character design. Very goodFantastic narrative driven deckbuilder RPG with roguelike elements. Very smoothe and polished. Great art and character design. Very good writing. Love this game!… Expand
  4. MortalisUmbra
    Jun 15, 2021
    10
    This one and Trial of Fire are the best deck builder roguelike games I ever played...
  5. Antibomb
    Jun 12, 2021
    9
    Even though the main plot is the same, every run is a new adventure and not only a chance to tackle the same enemies in different ways. TheEven though the main plot is the same, every run is a new adventure and not only a chance to tackle the same enemies in different ways. The card battles are nuanced, the replayability almost endless and both story and style is well made.… Expand
  6. Welkinz
    Jun 13, 2021
    8
    It is a good combination of deck building and rpg games. Sal is the easiest character, so make sense to make her the first chapter of theIt is a good combination of deck building and rpg games. Sal is the easiest character, so make sense to make her the first chapter of the game. Rook is probably the most difficult charater.… Expand
  7. CompleteIdiot
    Jul 3, 2021
    7
    A good deck builder needs good variety. This is where Griftlands falls short, core gameplay is simply unsatisfying long term and gets staleA good deck builder needs good variety. This is where Griftlands falls short, core gameplay is simply unsatisfying long term and gets stale too quickly. Slay the Spire or Monster Train are much more engaging in this element. The main thing Griftlands does get right is the story elements. The heists are and jobs are rather engaging and there is some variety that makes you want to do at least one more run. But once I had the perfect genocide and pacifist runs, I lost all interest in rerunning the game.… Expand
  8. Oshiri_Maeda
    Jun 10, 2021
    5
    I'm not a deck building fan, however Slay the Spire was somewhat fun and this game feels like a confusing mediocrity.

See all 8 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best PC Game of 2021
61
#61 Most Discussed PC Game of 2021

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