The deck building roguelike genre just got a serious shake-up with NET.CRAWL, and honestly, it’s about time someone tried something different. While most games in this space stick to the tried-and-true card formula, NET.CRAWL throws conventional wisdom out the window and asks: what if we used hexagonal tiles instead?
What Makes NET.CRAWL Different from Other Deck Building Roguelike Games
NET.CRAWL isn’t your typical deck building roguelike experience. Instead of collecting and playing cards, you’re placing hexagonal tiles on a grid system. When the White Rabbit (your character) steps on these hexes, they activate and trigger their effects. It’s like combining chess positioning with the strategic depth of Slay the Spire.
The game takes place in what the developers call a “bizarre digital world” – think cyberspace meets Alice in Wonderland. You’re navigating through this post-human landscape on a hexagonal grid, facing off against unique bosses called “Cores” that each bring their own special abilities and victory conditions.
The Inspiration Behind This Innovative Approach
The creator of NET.CRAWL has been refreshingly honest about the game’s origins. They were a Netrunner fan who couldn’t find anyone to play with locally, so they set out to capture some of that cyberpunk card game magic in a single-player format. While NET.CRAWL has evolved far from its Netrunner roots, you can still see traces of that DNA in the action economy and asymmetric gameplay.
More Than 200 Unique Hexes to Master
Here’s where NET.CRAWL really flexes its creative muscles. The game boasts over 200 distinct hexes, each with different effects and strategic implications. Plus, there are approximately 45 unique Cores (the boss characters) that completely change how you approach each encounter.
This variety means every run feels different, which is crucial for any deck building roguelike worth its salt. You’re not just shuffling the same cards in a different order – you’re dealing with entirely different spatial puzzles and strategic considerations.
Why the Grid System Works So Well
The hexagonal grid isn’t just a gimmick – it fundamentally changes how you think about strategy in a deck building roguelike. Position matters now. You need to consider not just what effects you want to trigger, but where you want to trigger them and in what sequence.
It adds this layer of tactical movement that most card-based games simply can’t offer. You’re not just managing your hand and resources; you’re also managing space and positioning. It’s like the difference between playing poker and playing chess – both strategic, but requiring completely different mental muscles.
Quick Sessions with Deep Strategy
One thing that sets NET.CRAWL apart in the deck building roguelike space is its session length. The developers have designed it for quick runs that still pack in plenty strategic depth. You’re not committing to multi-hour sessions, but you’re still getting that satisfying puzzle-solving experience that makes the genre so addictive.
The non-violent approach is also refreshing. Instead of traditional combat, you’re solving strategic puzzles and outsmarting opponents. It’s more about brain power than firepower, which opens the game up to players who might be turned off by more aggressive themes.
The Current State and Future Plans
Right now, you can try NET.CRAWL through its demo on Steam, which has been getting positive feedback from players. The full game is planned for Early Access release, with the developers aiming to have it ready before Slay the Spire 2 launches.
The community response has been encouraging, with players praising the unique mechanics while noting that there’s a learning curve. It’s not the kind of game you’ll master in your first session, but that’s probably a good thing for a deck building roguelike that wants to keep you coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NET.CRAWL and how is it different from other deck building roguelike games?
NET.CRAWL is a grid-based strategy game that replaces traditional cards with hexagonal tiles placed on a board. Unlike typical deck building roguelike games, positioning and movement are crucial elements of strategy.
Do I need to be familiar with Netrunner to enjoy NET.CRAWL?
Not at all. While NET.CRAWL was inspired by Netrunner, it has evolved into its own unique experience. The game is designed to be accessible to newcomers while still appealing to fans of strategic card games.
How long does a typical game session last?
NET.CRAWL is designed for quick sessions while maintaining strategic depth. Most runs can be completed in a reasonable timeframe, making it perfect for both casual and dedicated gaming sessions.
Is there a demo available to try before purchasing?
Yes, there’s a free demo available on Steam that lets you experience the core gameplay mechanics and get a feel for whether the game appeals to you.
What makes the hex-based system better than traditional card mechanics?
The hexagonal grid system adds spatial strategy and positioning elements that traditional card-based deck building roguelike games can’t offer. You need to consider not just what effects to use, but where and when to use them.
How many different hexes and bosses are in the game?
NET.CRAWL features over 200 unique hexes and approximately 45 different Cores (boss characters), each with their own special abilities and victory conditions, ensuring high replay value.
Conclusion
NET.CRAWL represents exactly the kind of innovation the deck building roguelike genre needs. By ditching cards for a hex-based grid system, it creates entirely new strategic possibilities while maintaining the addictive loop that makes these games so compelling. Whether you’re a veteran of the genre looking for something fresh or a newcomer curious about strategic gaming, NET.CRAWL offers a unique experience that’s worth exploring. The combination of spatial strategy, resource management, and puzzle-solving creates something that feels both familiar and completely new at the same time.