StarVaders Reviews
StarVaders is a really fun and solid deckbuilder, it is well made from many points of view. Even if it has room for improvement, it deserves to sit at the same table as the best "videodrugames".
Review in Italian | Read full review
StarVaders from developer Pengonauts is an addictive deckbuilding turn-based game with meaningful content and thick strategic gameplay options.
StarVaders strikes a balance between accessibility and deep strategic layers. Whether you're a newcomer to the deckbuilding genre or a seasoned rogue strategist, there's something here for you. With tight mechanics, meaningful progression, and addictive replayability, StarVaders earns its place in the indie strategy spotlight.
Nailing all the key aspects of what draws players into the genre, each hour or so run is fast and fun. Amazingly, the characters play wildly different, from zipping all over the board to blanketing it with bombs. While StarVaders is missing that rare chance of a single card or move that instantly becomes overpowered, the power curve is typically satisfying. The only thing holding things back are the frequent freezes and crashes, along with Steam Deck problems of buttons freezing. Thankfully, the save system is forgiving, so these are only minor annoyances.
A near-flawless title, with an utterly fantastic gameplay loop, art direction and variety.
I had absolutely no idea I’d enjoy StarVaders as much as I would, and it definitely adds something to the ever-growing roguelike genre.
StarVaders is a creative and polished fusion of roguelike, deckbuilder, and arcade-style mechanics. While it’s built on a familiar formula, the vibrant design, strategic depth, and sheer fun of chaotic, combo-driven gameplay make it an easy standout in the genre.
One of my favorite moments was the first time I played the Stinger after unlocking it. I thought after playing several runs with the Gunner that I had the game pegged. Playing the Stinger forced me to completely relearn how to play the game as if I had just booted it up for the first time. Much later, after I finally unlocked the Keeper, it happened again. There are not many games that have ever managed to give me that fresh game feeling twice, and StarVaders did it 3 times. That’s pretty incredible.
StarVaders is a game that takes the best influences from the genre—the seemingly simple basics that can be iterated on to make it as complex as you want, mostly—and adds its own unique twist. Maybe the best way to describe the game is ‘what if Cobalt Core leaned more into Space Invaders,’ with this one taking the best from both of those classics without being a copy/paste job. The game looks classy, plays wonderfully, and sounds amazing.
StarVaders is a roguelike that stands out by combining dynamic tactical combat with a deck-building system full of possibilities. Even though it relies on familiar mechanics, the game impresses with its variety of strategies, diverse pilots and robots, and its vibrant, charismatic atmosphere. The experience also benefits from creative and well-designed battles, with enemies and challenges that require constant adaptation and encourage experimentation. Featuring a wide range of content, StarVaders is an engaging option for those who enjoy intelligent combat in a stylized universe full of personality.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
StarVaders is a wonderfully addicting game, one I didn’t expect to be a highlight of mine this month. The underlying mechanics present can make or break a run in a multitude of ways, the bosses are frenetic and can really pose a challenge, the runs don’t overstay their welcome, and it’s got the visuals and music to boot.
We experienced with StarVaders a tactical adventure combining turn-based gameplay and roguelike elements, making it full of challenges. It offers diverse gameplay filled with abilities, but stumbles with a weak story and irritating sound design over time. Nevertheless, it remains a good choice for fans of challenging and turn-based games.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Star Vaders is a wonderful deck builder that features clever combat, time powers, and a whole lot of build variety to experiment with.
With StarVaders, development team Pengonauts presents itself with personality in the landscape of independent productions. After tastefully mixing Star Invaders with grid-based strategists, the roguelike deckbuilder made by the Montreal-based software house was able to engage and entertain us. Simple to approach and difficult to master, fighting extraterrestrial visitors offers a magnetic loop gameplay that is tastefully varied and deep. If you are a fan of its sources of inspiration, StarVaders is the exact definition of “one more game and then I'll quit...maybe.... maybe not.”
Review in Italian | Read full review
StarVaders is proving to be a go-to for roguelike and deckbuild enthusiasts. Its addictive gameplay, and community-driven development make it one to watch as it prepares to launch April 30th. Its colorful presentation, depth of strategy, and infinitely replayable matches