Let’s kick off with LONESTAR by Math Tide, published by Thermite Games. To begin with, I love the core idea of drawing numbers to power lasers. Moreover, players praised the “a-ha” flood of energy moment in Steam reviews. They also appreciated the in-game save scum feature that lets you retry fights instantly. Although some noted rough visuals and a forgettable story, those issues don’t overshadow the deep strategy. Ultimately, the game blends roguelike and deckbuilder elements into something fresh beside Slay the Spire.
I dug into every vacation event and pilot profile. LONESTAR’s Intelligence Center entries give rich lore on criminals and universe rules. Math Tide said they stress unique pilot skills and random talents in a recent dev blog. Each pilot backstory feels varied. You recruit dozens, and each has exclusive skills. The game includes nearly a hundred treasures, each with a unique twist. You might miss some details without a guide, but Thermite Games’ built-in encyclopedia keeps you on track. I love logging every collectible and unlocking it all.
The visuals run on Unity and use a bold neon palette. The UI stays simple, ideal for Steam Deck or PC. Colorful shockwave animations light up during battles. Performance stays smooth even on mid-range rigs. The soundtrack mixes synth beats with space ambiance. Lasers hum differently when you up your number. I noticed subtle audio cues before enemy attacks—that builds tension. Voice lines feel blunt and funny, as one user said. Thermite Games nailed that slightly awkward humor. It keeps the mood light between big fights.
Challenge wise, LONESTAR offers nine difficulty levels and ascension modes. You face a set enemy curve each galaxy, then fight a boss rush post-game. That boss rush makes a great speedrun segment. The restart battle feature cuts setup time dramatically. I notice clear tension spikes at difficulties seven and above. But lower levels still feel rewarding. To boost accessibility, you can adjust difficulty anytime. Replay springs from three ships, nearly a hundred pilots, and random treasures. Each run can feel brand new.
Final thoughts: LONESTAR stands out through its numeric deckbuilding twist and vacation-day events. It feels tighter than many roguelikes but offers deep choice. It ranks high in replay value next to FTL or Dicey Dungeons. If you love big-brain builds and sharp QOL features, it’s a must-try. Similar games you might enjoy include Slay the Spire for card combos and ascension runs, FTL for spaceship strategy and rogue elements, Dicey Dungeons for unique numeric combat, Griftlands for negotiation and deckbuilding, and Monster Train for strong unit synergies and replay depth.
