Shroom and Gloom is my new deckbuilder obsession thanks to its fantastic fights, beautiful artwork, and tasty mushrooms
Shroom and Gloom blends exploration and combat in a roguelike deckbuilder where players navigate fungal dungeons using two distinct decks, each with strategic constraints.
A writer describes their fascination with mushrooms as a niche passion, extending to their enjoyment of seeing them featured in games. They highlight *Shroom and Gloom*, a roguelike deckbuilder where players control a mushroom-like character navigating subterranean dungeons filled with vines, bones, and mushrooms. The game tasks players with completing quests by fighting through areas, unlocking new characters, and gathering items, while exploring branching pathways.
The game introduces a dual-deck system: one for exploration and another for combat. The exploration deck includes tools like shovels, lighters, and door-breaking implements, but players must manage limited stamina to avoid being stranded without progress. Early mistakes, such as exhausting stamina on unnecessary actions, lead to forced rests in hostile environments where even improved campsites offer minimal comfort.
Resting in *Shroom and Gloom* is punishing, with visible damage indicators showing the cost of sleep. Stamina replenishes after fights, encouraging players to push forward. The combat deck focuses on defeating mushroom enemies through attacks, stuns, or healing, with mechanics that emphasize tactical combinations. Players can enhance attacks with spices, hot sauce, or cooking, adding a layer of strategy to each encounter.
Progression in *Shroom and Gloom* relies on skill rather than meta upgrades, with new characters unlocking bonuses and select cards aiding repeated runs. The game’s hand-drawn stills, layered to simulate 3D tunnels, enhance the visual experience during deaths, which are framed as part of the journey. The writer expresses enthusiasm for the game’s early access, praising its depth and artistic design.