Book of Demons

About Book of Demons

Thing Trunk released Book of Demons in December 2018 as their debut title under the Return 2 Games banner. This indie RPG blends deck-building mechanics with fast-paced hack and slash combat set in dark, procedurally generated dungeons. The game launched on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Mac, inviting single players to explore three distinct underground realms. It channels the spirit of early golden age PC gaming while modernizing the formula for current controllers. Players build decks of cards to cast spells and wield weapons against over seventy different monster types. The visual style leans heavily into a grim aesthetic that matches its challenging roguelike mode.

Gameplay

You start by constructing a deck of cards before each run begins. These cards determine your available attacks, defensive wards, and special abilities. Combat feels frantic as you dodge incoming projectiles while targeting specific enemy weaknesses. Every level reshuffles the map layout, so you never see the same dungeon twice. You encounter unique monster traits that require adapting your strategy on the fly rather than relying on a single build. The roguelike mode strips away permanent progression to demand perfect runs. Boss battles appear after clearing several floors and test your deck's consistency against high health pools. Leaderboards track your speed and completion times for both monthly and all-time records.

What Players Think

Critics and players have found solid ground here with a Metacritic score of 72 and an IGDB rating of 80.5 based on twenty-five reviews. Community data shows a strong retention rate among fans of the genre who appreciate the roguelike difficulty spike. Average playtime hovers around forty hours for those chasing the two hundred available achievements. Review snippets frequently mention the satisfaction of unlocking new cards and beating the monthly leaderboards. The mood is generally positive but leans toward frustration during the extreme challenge mode. Many users note that the controller support makes the tight combat feel much more responsive on console compared to keyboard inputs.

PlayPile's Take

This title works well for players who enjoy building decks around specific synergies and don't mind permadeath mechanics. The price point sits in the mid-range indie market, offering two hundred achievements to chase. You should expect to spend hours mastering the seventy monster types and optimizing your card combinations for boss fights. It is not a game for those seeking a relaxed narrative or casual exploration. Stick around if you want a challenging loop that rewards deck construction over reflexes alone. The roguelike mode offers genuine difficulty that keeps the experience fresh after multiple runs.

Storyline

- Procedurally Generated Dungeons - Roguelike Mode for fans of extreme challenge - 70+ different types of monsters, with different traits and custom mechanics - Xbox and Steam controller support - 3 underground realms and epic Quest Boss battles - Monthly and all-time Leaderboards, 200+ Achievements Book of Demons is the first installment of Return 2 Games - a series of original mid-core titles, inspired by the early golden days of PC gaming.