Anode Heart: Layer Null
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About Anode Heart: Layer Null
Anode Heart: Layer Null is an isometric RPG developed by Stove Powered Games, released on November 19, 2025. It blends turn-based card combat with creature management in a neon-lit digital world. Players navigate a shadowy plot involving rogue AI and cybernetic villains, balancing strategic battles with base-building elements. Available on PC and Mac, it supports both solo and co-op play. The game leans into chaotic storytelling and grind-heavy progression, appealing to fans of deep systems over streamlined action.
Gameplay
Combat revolves around arranging cards in a 3x3 grid to form synergies, with each card representing an attack, status effect, or resource. Digital creatures, called "Nodes," assist in fights and can be upgraded through in-game crafting. Sessions alternate between battle planning and base management, where players tweak defenses and resource chains. The isometric camera lets you rotate views during fights, but controls feel clunky, especially in multiplayer. Matches last 10-15 minutes but require heavy setup. Progression hinges on repetitive resource farming for Node upgrades, which some find tedious.
What Players Think
Anode Heart: Layer Null holds a 4.2/5 rating from 14,200 players. 72% finish the story, averaging 22 hours. 83% of reviews praise the "compelling narrative and chaotic villains," while 17% call it "a grind-focused slog." Completion rates drop sharply after Chapter 5, where players must farm rare cards for boss battles. 68% rate the multiplayer experience as "mediocre," citing lag and unclear objectives. The game has 28 achievements (100% completion unlocks a secret boss), with 43% of players earning at least half. Priced at $39.99, it’s seen as overpriced for its repetitive late-game loops.
PlayPile's Take
This game works best for RPG fans who enjoy deep, fiddly systems and don’t mind slow pacing. The card-grid combat and Node customization offer unique depth, but the grind for late-game upgrades could test patience. With multiplayer feeling tacked on and a steep price tag, it’s not for casual players. If you value a convoluted story and don’t mind 20+ hour investment, it’s worth a try. Otherwise, skip it.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
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