That Time I Found a Box

About That Time I Found a Box

That Time I Found a Box is a turn-based strategy RPG and deckbuilder from Otter Paw Press, released in 2025 for PC. It blends roguelike elements with customizable card mechanics, where each card acts as a blank slate you can refine, upgrade, and modify. The game centers on strategic decision-making: you must balance playing cards in real-time battles with improving them between turns. Set in a surreal world, the story follows your discovery of a magical box tied to three powerful beings, whose favor you must earn to avoid being hunted. The focus is on depth over complexity, offering a streamlined interface but layered tactics. It’s a single-player experience with no multiplayer modes, designed for fans of tactical cardbuilding and risk-reward loops.

Gameplay

Each session begins with a blank deck of cards, which you gradually shape through upgrades and modifications. Cards have no fixed cost, so the challenge lies in timing when to use them and when to invest in enhancements. Battles are turn-based, with enemies appearing in procedurally generated encounters. You gain resources to tweak cards mid-game, but choices matter: upgrading one card might weaken another. The game avoids “obvious” plays, forcing you to adapt to shifting scenarios. Later, you’ll face the three beings, whose unique mechanics require tailored strategies. Controls are minimal but precise, emphasizing quick decision-making. Sessions last 30-60 minutes, depending on difficulty. The loop of experimentation and refinement keeps it engaging, though the lack of save features adds tension.

What Players Think

No PlayPile community ratings, scores, or reviews are currently available for this game. As a new release in 2025, there are no tracked completion rates, average playtimes, or achievement unlock stats. No user moods or critic snippets are present at this time. Data collection will begin post-launch.

PlayPile's Take

That Time I Found a Box is a bold experiment in deckbuilding, ideal for players who enjoy strategic customization and low-stakes, high-think gameplay. At $29.99 (estimated), it’s affordable for its niche audience. The lack of multiplayer won’t bother single-player fans, but the absence of clear difficulty scaling might frustrate some. If you’re into tweaking systems and building optimal decks, this could be your next obsession. Otherwise, pass.

Storyline

You open a mysterious box of magical cards that intertwines your fate with three powerful beings. The cards are blank slates that you must refine and use to gain the favour of the powerful beings, lest they come after you. Watch your back - your life may depend on it!