After a stint in early access, Across the Obelisk has finally been released in its 1.0 version. This RPG, deckbuilding, rogue-like, offers players a unique opportunity to build a party, build a deck, and gallivant across a fantasy world. What sets this apart from other titles in the genre is that you can do it with your friends. Four player co-op (each player assuming a role in the party) can join up to adventure together, all bringing their own builds and strategies.

Should you play this game?

Emphatically yes. Even for those not suited to this particular genre, Across the Obelisk is still worth playing. Grab a few friends, build your decks, and romp across the mystical lands. I found the co-op in this game to be both smooth and engaging. I also attribute a few strategies I picked up to the people I played with, which is always fun.  

I was able to complete my first solo-story playthrough in just over 20 hours. I felt challenged, and subsequently rewarded for my efforts and I still wish to go back and find the secrets I missed. I haven’t even mentioned the ever-increasing-difficulty new game plus modes. They also offer a weekly challenge and an endless mode.  

You’ll see comparisons to Slay the Spire, Darkest Dungeon, and Gordian Quest but Across the Obelisk sets itself early and often throughout the gameplay loop. 

Across the Obelisk offers the player vertical progression by unlocking cards, perks, equipment, and more through each run. Each run offers various choices, paths, and player agency, which can often lead to higher rewards. Be warned, the risk increases as well as you force your rag tag party into dangerous encounters. If you want to unlock a new party member, or some mythic level card, you’re going to have to pay for it in pixelated blood.

Gameplay Loop

Every journey into the story mode gives you more information to better prepare for your next outing. Your characters will gain experience, unlock perk points, and receive inheritance from failed previous journeys. You’ll learn secrets, boss encounters, pick up useful relics, and build your card collection in every variation. Slowly build your party, and decks into formidable juggernauts as you take on harpies, cultists, and literal rocks. Should you fail in your endeavor to save the realm you will be gifted currency to be sued for you next room. A bit grim, but think of it as inheritance from your previous heroes. You may also form your party in any way you like as you find ways to unlock the various characters in Across the Obelisk. I’ve found most success with bringing two healers.

A Learning Journey

A commendable aspect of Across the Obelisk is that it never once babies the player. It never treats you like a simpleton, it merely challenges you to understand. They hold back none of the core mechanics for new players, in fact they tell you almost everything the game can and will do. The agency resides in the players hands to use this information to craft winning strategies. Every run grants you more information, more finesse to operate with. This is your sandbox, you build what you want in it. 

Across the Obelisk is a welcomed surprise in an ever-growing genre. It may not be the king but it certainly treats itself like royalty. Give yourself a break this weekend and grab it on Steam, currently 25% off in celebration of its release. Cheers.

A Small Note

Just wanted to give props to the marketing team.

They sold me on buying this game not through their marketing content, but with their marketing strategy. As a marketer myself I have to applaud them and their entire remarketing outlook as I got targeted on three different platforms in a single day. I applaud you.