Manipulus
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About Manipulus
Manipulus is a deck-building, turn-based strategy game from Chazzy Games, released in late 2026. It blends rogue-like mechanics with tactical card play, casting you as a general commanding survivors in a grim, survival-focused narrative. You’ll rebuild defensive lines, activate character abilities through card combos, and face permadeath threats as monsters swarm. The game’s single-player mode focuses on replaying past choices to adapt strategies, with procedurally generated scenarios adding variety. Set in a bleak, mysterious world, Manipulus emphasizes calculated risk-taking over luck, making every decision feel weighty. Fans of tactical depth and resource management will recognize its influences, but the card-driven combat system feels fresh.
Gameplay
Each session starts with drafting a defensive formation, assigning survivors to positions that unlock unique card synergies. You draw from a deck representing your followers’ skills, using them to trigger abilities, move units, or defend. Cards deplete after use, forcing you to replay actions or discard low-value options. Monsters spawn in waves, requiring precise positioning to exploit weaknesses. If a survivor dies, their card is permanently lost, escalating tension. The rogue-like loop means failing a run resets your deck but retains key survivors and upgrades. Sessions last 30, 60 minutes, with late-game scenarios demanding flawless execution. Controls are simple, mouse clicks to play cards and shift units, but the strategic layer is deep.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate Manipulus 8.7/10, with 45% completing the base game. Average playtime is 12 hours, but 30% report 20+ hours due to repeatable challenges. Community moods skew intense (68%) and analytical (52%), with 12% calling it "addictively punishing." Critics praise its "tight feedback loop" (Polygon) and "resource management genius" (IGN), though some note a steep learning curve. Achievements, like "Survivalist" for beating a boss with three survivors, drive replay. The 2026 release date drew early hype, but the lack of co-op or multiplayer modes is a common gripe.
PlayPile's Take
Manipulus is a must-play for tactical and deck-building enthusiasts. Its permadeath mechanics and card-driven combat create high-stakes sessions, though the difficulty may frustrate newcomers. At $29.99, it’s a reasonable ask for fans of games like Slay the Spire or Into the Radius. The 30+ achievement list (100% completion) and 12-hour base campaign offer decent value. Skip if you dislike permadeath or prefer open-ended exploration. Otherwise, it’s a sharp, rewarding test of strategy and adaptability.
Game Modes
Single player
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