Deep Sky Derelicts: Definitive Edition Review (PS4)
Release Date: March 24, 2020 (original Steam release September 2018)
Publisher/Developer: 1C Entertainment/Snowhound Games
Platform: PlayStation 4 (Reviewed), Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Steam
Price: $24.99
Set in a mix between The Fifth Element and the Hunger Games, Deep Sky Derelicts tells the tale of a future humanity of split classes: the well off individuals living the good life we all dream space travel to one day be, and the scavengers who scrounge for what materials they can find on abandoned derelict alien ships and stations in the hopes that one day their work will result in a chance to move into the upper class and leave their life of poverty behind. This is done via a unique amalgam of turn based and card based combat in a rougelike environment that offers plenty of replay value. Deep Sky Derelicts has been out for a while, but is getting it’s console release as a definitive edition, tying in two expansion packs that have been released since it’s debut.
I’ve often been intimidated by the idea of a “rougelike” game that basically randomizes everything and resets all progress if you die, but Deep Sky Derelicts offers a delicate balance. Players are recruited by a mysterious leader to investigate the derelict spaceships in the area to create a crew of scavengers who go into a randomized “dungeon” of an abandoned spaceship or station. Before taking off, you can recruit new scavengers, purchase or repair equipment, or even go to a sketchy surgeon’s office to upgrade bionics. You take off and explore the derelict until you are rife with treasure or near death’s door after being attacked by the denizens who populate the area; it’s up to you to decide how far you want to go. Returning to the station, you sell your scraps and start over again.
Inside the broken down ships, your team investigates via a top-down map. Icons represent places to investigate or enemies lurking in the shadows. Entering a square of the map brings up the main battle screen, with your team on the left and any enemies you face on the right. Battles are turn-based but with a twist: each team member has a deck of cards their abilities are drawn from. Rather than a mana or energy pool, every action that your character can do is delegated to a card in the deck. This makes an interesting risk and reward system that feels like you are playing physical Magic: The Gathering, as you have what is in your hand and that’s it. You don’t get a basic attack, defend, or heal, you merely get what you get in your hand. Sometimes this leads to having to deal with, quite literally, the hand you are dealt. Your deck is enhanced and modified depending on the equipment you have on your character.
Replayability comes in strong with the card deck and character customization motif. Your base characters are “recruited” and come in particular classes. It really feels like old school Final Fantasy 1 in this instance. Equipment changes mix up their decks and abilities, and the randomized levels mean every playthrough is fresh. You may be looking for similar things but how to get to them will be different every time.
Presentation is top-notch for this indie turn-based RPG, looking like a retro-futuristic comic book aesthetic. Conversations use the comic sans font, and attacks are quick panels of action scenes. Each panel is made up of the specific issues currently relevant (character, enemy, weapon, attack, et cetera) and has enough variance to stay interesting.
In the early levels, Deep Sky Derelicts’ card battle system is, unfortunately, a detriment. You’re getting used to the battle system and your cards are limited, so you might get stuck in battles that you could win if you could just get *that* card, and if you are ambushed by an enemy it can take a few turns for some of your cards to be active. It’s frustrating seeing a card you need to take down an enemy be locked behind a time gate.
Deep Sky Derelicts definitely surprised me. My first impressions upon seeing this game up for review in our team chat were not exciting, it looked bland and more horror-themed (of which I am not a fan). The comic book aesthetic and unique turn/card based combat make me feel like I’m playing more of a space-combat Yu-Gi-Oh style battle game, with attacks based on cards and the luck of the draw. The replayability is there for anyone who really gets hooked by it’s core gameplay loop. Deep Sky Derelicts is a fusion of a lot of different popular gaming tropes that is done very well and offers a fresh perspective on each ingredient included.
Pros:
-Unique amalgam of card game/deck building, RPG elements, and rougelike concepts
-Customizable team members, equipment, and randomized dungeons
-Fun comic book aesthetic
-Some choices you make feel like they really matter
-All in one edition with two downloadable packs included
Cons:
-Sometimes you just don’t get the card you need
-Roguelikes with throwaway heroes aren’t known for their deep stories or relatable protagonists
-Overworld map is functional, but bland
Special thanks to 1C Entertainment/Snowhound Games for providing a code for review!