Bardcard 9+

Awesome (but bug report)

Didn’t expect to enjoy this but it’s fun, I like the elements that you retain across play throughs, and it’s really well written…plus it helps exercise my aging memory. One more: was just fighting a whelk, had almost zero health, it poisoned me just as my weapon broke completely. I tapped my hand to see if I could equip something mid combat, and it said basically I could only do that outside of combat. The background flashed for a sec (s as I assume I died) but then the button to return from the equipment note wouldn’t work…and the only way to get out of that screen was to force quit completely. Fortunately it loaded back up just fine (with the immediate note that I’d died as expected) so no big problem… just a single bug in what otherwise an extremely clean game! :)

Developer Response ,

Thanks for the detailed bug report! I really appreciate feedback as it helps us make Bardcard better. We will investigate the issue and aim to fix it in the next release. If you uncover any more bugs, reach out to us at hello@rascalmagic.com. Or you can join our Discord server for more interactive discussions. Thanks for playing!

Clever quest-driven roguelike

When you first pick up this game, you’ll think it’s some weird Memory game with some combat thrown in. It’s not. It’s a thematic, decision-heavy hardscrabble.

The game organically presents objectives that, on completion, yield information, equipment, key items, or changes in the dungeon. These persist into subsequent runs. Coming up with an executing a plan to pursue these objectives represents the core gameplay loop.

The matching system induces a risk-reward dynamic, creating variance in the cost of fully exploring a room or taking side paths. It also creates this neat dynamic where if you’re hurrying to find the exit, you might stumble on something interesting that prompts you to stick around.

You’d think the card-based rooms would be same-y, but there’s a narrative frame for different parts of the map, and the NPCs, environmental hazards, monsters, and items participate in that frame in unexpectedly immersive ways.

The comprehensive journal and map are a very thoughtful addition to the game.

I’m looking forward to the release of the next chapter.

Update fixed issues, great game!

I really appreciate that the developer revamped the game so that progress is much better. I redownloaded it to start over and I can tell already it’s been greatly improved.

Thank you, developer, for listening to feedback and addressing issues, it’s really appreciated.

This game is monetized right with no ads or IAP. The design is awesome and the gameplay is unique and fun, the right balance of luck and strategy. There’s a lot to do but it’s not overly complicated, making it good for casual and advanced gamers alike. I like that it saves progress at all times too so you can jump in and out quickly on a break.

You’ve done everything right, developer, and I highly recommend this game to others.

Developer Response ,

Thanks for trying out the latest update! We really appreciate you giving us a second chance and we're glad the the revamp has made the game more enjoyable. If you have any more ideas for improvements or fun directions we could take, hit us up anytime via email (hello@rascalmagic.com) or any of our social media accounts. We love hearing feedback and figuring out how to best apply it to Bardcard.