Monster Train
In short: Monster Train is a strategy game released in 2020 by Shiny Shoe, available on PC and Nintendo. Our score: 9.0/10 (highly recommended).
Roguelike deckbuilder on a train to Hell
{"title":"Monster Train","description":"Monster Train is a captivating roguelike deckbuilder where players must defend their train car as it hurtles towards the icy depths of Hell. The game masterfully blends strategic card combat with the compelling thrill of a roguelike experience, offering immense replayability and depth. The narrative unfolds as Hell has been consumed by an eternal winter, and your mission, as one of the remaining demon lords, is to protect the last spark of Hell's fire, safely transported on a specialized train. Each run presents a new challenge, with procedural generation ensuring no two journeys are alike. The gameplay revolves around placing your summoned creatures onto different floors of the train, each with its own offensive and defensive capabilities. You'll engage in turn-based battles against waves of angelic invaders aiming to extinguish your precious flame. Your strategy hinges on carefully constructing a powerful deck of spells and unit cards, synergizing your monsters' abilities, and wisely managing your resources. As you progress through distinct regions, each with unique enemies and challenges, you'll acquire new cards, upgrade existing ones, and recruit powerful clan-specific units. The game's uniqueness lies in its multi-level train combat system, forcing you to think vertically as well as horizontally. Deciding which floor to reinforce, where to place your damage dealers, and how to disrupt the enemy's progress across multiple fronts i…
Game details
- Developer: Shiny Shoe
- Publisher: Good Shepherd
- Release year: 2020
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo
- Category: strategy
Our review
Monster Train is a captivating roguelike deckbuilder that blends strategic card combat with tower defense elements. Players battle their way up a multi-level train, defending the titular Monster Train from invading demons across multipleascending layers. The game boasts a surprising amount of depth, with numerous clans offering unique playstyles and powerful combinations to discover. While the core loop can become a bit repetitive after dozens of hours, the sheer variety of strategies and the constant addition of new challenges keep the experience fresh for a remarkably long time. The art style is charming, though not groundbreaking, and the music perfectly complements the frantic battles. Monster Train is a must-play for fans of deckbuilding and strategic challenges.
Pros
- Deep and engaging deckbuilding mechanics
- High replayability with diverse clans and challenges
- Satisfying strategic combat
Cons
- Repetitive gameplay loop after many hours
- Can be unforgiving for new players
FAQ
- What is Monster Train and what type of game is it?
- Monster Train is a tactical roguelike deck-building game. Players build powerful card decks and guide a train through a frozen hell, defending it from invaders across four different floors in each battle.
- Does Monster Train have a Co-op or Multiplayer mode?
- Yes, Monster Train includes a multiplayer mode called 'Hell Rush' where two players race against each other to see who can complete the hell run faster and more efficiently. There is no classic co-op mode.
- Is Monster Train available on consoles like Nintendo Switch?
- Yes, Monster Train is available for players on both PC and Nintendo Switch consoles. This allows enjoyment of the addictive game on the go as well.
- Does Monster Train receive regular updates and new content?
- Yes, Monster Train has received several expansions and additional content since its launch, such as 'The Last Divinity' DLC. The developers continue to support the game with balance changes and improvements to maintain a fresh and challenging experience.
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Last updated: 01/04/2026