Roguebook

Roguebook is a fantasy roguelike deck-builder developed by Abrakam Entertainment (creators of the digital card game Faeria) and designed by Richard Garfield (creator of Magic: The Gathering). Released in 2021, the game distinguishes itself by intertwining the card-battling elements of the genre with a unique exploration mechanic centered on navigating a magical, uncharted book.

The Book of Unwritten Legends

The game's narrative premise is that the player characters have become trapped within the magical Roguebook, a tome of legendary lore. The pages of this book are constantly shifting and re-forming, requiring the heroes to map the area as they proceed.

• Exploration Mechanic: Each run begins with the map largely obscured by ink. The player must use limited resources called Ink and Brushes to literally paint and uncover the map around them. This is the core strategic element: deciding which areas to reveal to find resources like gold, treasures, or the exit to the next chapter.

• The Danger of the Edge: Staying too long on a page causes the powerful Fugitive Meter to fill. When full, the final boss of the current chapter appears, forcing the player into an immediate, often unprepared final confrontation. This creates a compelling time pressure that encourages smart exploration and risk assessment.

Duo Combat and Synergy

Instead of a single hero, Roguebook features two-hero teams, allowing for deep tactical synergy in the turn-based combat:

• Team Composition: Players choose a duo from four available heroes: Sharpe (a defensive turtle), Sorocco (a high-damage bruiser), Seifer (a master of rage and aggression), and Aurora (a healer focused on healing and defense). Each hero has a distinct starting deck and playstyle.

• Combat Mechanics: The two heroes stand in a Front and Back position. The Front hero takes all incoming damage unless a specific card redirects it. Players alternate turns between the two heroes, and many cards gain bonus effects if played immediately after the other hero. For example, a defensive card might give all allies Block if the other hero just played an Attack card.

• Gems and Customization: A unique feature is the use of Gems, which are placed onto existing cards to permanently upgrade them. This allows players to customize their deck mid-run, turning weak starting cards into powerful tools that fit their current build strategy.

By combining an original exploration system with rich, cooperative combat between two heroes, Roguebook successfully carves out a strategic niche in the competitive deck-building genre.