Fogpiercer Review

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Review By Jacob Hegarty

Fogpiercer encapsulates the deck-builder genre in an action-filled strategy game, where poor planning and wrong moves can be the difference between life and death. There are many strategies to getting through the fog and finding salvation. There are choices for regions to traverse as well as a pathway system through which the battles fought are picked. These choices have different opportunities, from the level design to the enemy numbers on any given level. These choices have a lasting effect on the outcome of the battles.

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Starting with this game, I found it hard to gain traction, and no amount of sand on the track could give me the grip I needed to beat more than a couple of levels before my train was destroyed and I was to start over. After several more plays, I began to unlock a few more cards and upgrade my wagons, leading to progress. From there, I was able to get to my first boss battle, a tough fight I unfortunately lost. Back to the base to upgrade the train in the hopes of defeating the next run.

As with most roguelikes, this is the loop, and after a while I found myself getting into it: play the game, unlock the rewards and progress. Unlocking additional wagons and cards as I went to assist in the progression. Until I was able to defeat all the regions and pass the fog wall. The battle, however, was not over, as the world needed me, so it was back to the start to run it all over again, this time moving up the difficulty and trying some different paths and cards.

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Card builders are not normally my bread and butter, but this game seems to hit a nice mix of roguelike elements as well as the cards mixed with a delightful train, that all somehow combines into a large bit of fun. Although my early efforts didn’t bear much fruit through repeated plays, I am now at a stage where, with the right mix of elements, I can clear the game, but it still isn’t easy. While I might destroy some levels with a few shots, there are still some that take every ounce of skill to get through. This is the element that drew me back, the challenge. I know that I am not the best strategist, and this game plays heavily on those elements, as well as some luck.

Cards are drawn, with the hand size varying on multiple things like the modules active and what loco and wagon combos are in play. This makes the early choices in game feel meaningful. Choosing the loco and its counterparts makes the choices for cards. The driver also determines the bonus cards drawn; these drivers are unlocked in a variety of ways, and there are missions to do to collect them all. Each is unique and has its own special cards and tactics. Cards are also unlocked through different fights like convoys, where the battle is focused on targeting the convoy transport unit first before defeating the rest of the bandits. Other cards and wagons can be unlocked at the station or purchased at the shop during the journey.

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A locomotive driver is chosen alongside the train, with each having unique abilities. During battles, a certain number of successful attacks must be made. Upon reaching this target, a powerful additional card is unlocked. This card can significantly influence the battle’s outcome, offer a strategic advantage, or help protect the train from potential damage.

I have primarily played this game on the Steam Deck, and it functions well on that platform. However, some of the text on the cards can be a bit difficult to read. Despite this, the game runs smoothly without any lag or other issues. It performs well whether using a mouse and keyboard or a controller. I mostly opted for the controller while at my PC, as I’m already accustomed to those controls. The graphics are fantastic, with vibrant colours and animations that contrast beautifully against the snow-filled backgrounds.

Fogpiercer stands out as an exceptional entry in both the roguelike and deck-building genres. Its challenging gameplay keeps me engaged and motivates me to return for more, as each run presents new obstacles and strategies to explore. Additionally, its performance on the Steam Deck makes it a perfect companion for gaming on the go, allowing me to dive into its immersive world whenever I have a free moment.

(Review code provided to Explosion Network.
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