Joining the ever-growing ranks of deckbuilding games is WhatRogue: Exile Land, a promising new entry in the tactical roguelite genre from Chinese developer 肉鸽独立团 (Roguelike Independent League) and published by OKJOY. This game pits players against stylishly designed enemies on compact grid-based maps, where careful movement, strategic unit placement, and mana management are key to deploying powerful spells, equipment, and reinforcements.
The visual and audio design deserves special mention; WhatRogue boasts vibrant, characterful artwork and a polished, functional UI that makes navigating its mechanics seamless and intuitive. The demo introduces us to the game’s first hero—a massive, bearded one-eye warrior archetype equipped with various starting units, an upgradable sword, and shields for defense. This “classic warrior” starts strong, with access to a well-rounded arsenal. Each level-up unlocks passive talents that enhance your playstyle, and between encounters, you’ll acquire new cards to expand your strategic options.
Check out my gameplay video below. With a release targeted for Q4 2024 and a demo currently available on Steam, WhatRogue: Exile Land is definitely one to watch for fans of tactical deckbuilders who crave a balance of strategy and roguelite challenge.
About This Game
Your former homeland has become an exile land for sealing monsters, but a new threat is emerging through the madness-inducing pollen. “WhatRogue：Exile Land” is a game that combines roguelike, card construction, and tactical turn-based gameplay. In the game, you can continuously acquire new and interesting cards, offering a fresh experience each time. Moreover, with the tactical gameplay, you need to consider strategies in the spatial dimensions of the board, further enhancing the game’s strategic depth. You can choose different initial heroes and companions, defeat various monsters and bosses, and unlock more exciting cards and possibilities after each adventure.
Expansive Maps and Rich Events
The game currently features three adventure maps, and you will unlock the next map after defeating the final boss of each map.
Each map has over 10 different monsters, and defeating them will grant you rewards.
The maps are filled with diverse random events where you will encounter various NPCs. Get to know them and form connections!Strategic Turn-Based Board Gameplay
You will play as a hero and gain more companions throughout your challenges. Companion cards need to be placed next to the hero or other companions. The choice and placement of companions are crucial, and every turn requires thoughtful planning!
Additionally, heroes can equip gear and use spell cards to diversify your combat strategies!Deep Card Construction Elements
With over 70 class cards, many can create unique synergies with your existing cards, allowing you to build more powerful and interesting decks!
There are numerous treasure cards to discover, often possessing significant power, but they also hold another crucial value: crystals. Will you keep them or sell them? The choice is yours!
Relic cards are rarer than treasure cards and inherently valuable, triggering passively in battle. If you encounter a relic card, choose wisely!
