NEOVERSE: Trinity Edition

Neoverse Trinity Edition brings the strategy of a deck-building game together with rougelite elements. Similar to a game like Slay the Spire, but with a different polish. The story is virtually non-existent, which is unfortunate, but understandable for the type of game. Purely from Neoverse’s aesthetic, the expectation is that the game will be simple, but you will slowly start to uncover a deep and multifaceted strategy game that remains fresh throughout numerous hours of play.

Neoverse Trinity Editon is a surprisingly addictive deck-building card battling game. There are some things that will make you think this was a converted mobile game from the West, especially given anime-based heroines. The game leaves a lot for you to figure out but provides enough varied missions so that successive playthroughs don't feel completely monotonous. It requires some patience to master the system and unlock new cards but on the plus side, it plays well in undocked mode making for a great travel game!

Overall, there’s a lot to recommend in Neoverse Trinity Edition. It’s addicting, it’s great in short bursts and long runs, and it’s got characters and decks that are excellently balanced. Really, the only downsides are the lack of tutorial, the small text (it’s very hard to play in handheld mode until you know what the tiny text says), and the slightly wonky controls (it’s very easy to accidentally select the wrong item or card and then use it without realizing it, though you learn to be more careful eventually). There’s plenty of replay value, too, with each character having multiple unlocks for new cards, costumes, skills, and more. There’s also additional modes if you’re looking for a greater challenge.

On the surface, Neoverse Trinity Edition has everything a deck-building TBS needs to be a highly recommended one, mainly due to its more-than-decent mechanical depth, and, yes, because of its sexy exterior. Sadly, this just doesn't achieve being the next Slay the Spire it wants to be. A bit repetitive, and with a visual wrapping that's as generic as it is nice to look at, Tinogames Inc.'s creation is far from bad, but also something that's far from greatness. Only for - very - big fans of the genre - just be ready for something that's maybe a bit too easy/casual-friendly for your liking.

The problem is that for all of Neoverse's merits - it's a good looking game, with good, balanced mechanics and excellent replay value - it's also ultimately unsatisfying to play. The narrative context is only ever a tease, and without a reason to get into all those fights and collect all those cards, Neoverse ultimately feels hollow. I'll keep Neoverse around for five-minute time-filler play sessions here and there, but I'm ultimately disappointed with this game. It could have easily been so much more than this.