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About Top Check
Top Check is a strategy game that fuses deckbuilding with chess-inspired mechanics. Developed by Gliding Knight Games, it released on December 31, 2026, for PC. Players collect and upgrade cards representing chess-like pieces, each with unique abilities, to construct decks and battle opponents in turn-based combat. The game blends roguelike progression with online collectible card elements, rewarding deep strategic thinking. Single-player campaigns and competitive multiplayer modes let you test your tactics against AI or human rivals. If you enjoy planning several moves ahead and adapting to dynamic challenges, Top Check offers a cerebral twist on classic board game themes.
Gameplay
Each match in Top Check feels like a calculated puzzle. You start with a base deck, then acquire new cards by winning battles or discovering secrets in procedurally generated lobbies. Cards represent pieces like knights, bishops, or pawns, but with custom skills, some let you manipulate the board, others alter enemy moves. Combat is turn-based and grid-based, requiring you to position pieces strategically while managing hand size and resource costs. Progression involves balancing deck diversity with synergy, as certain cards only unlock after completing specific challenges. Multiplayer matches emphasize fast-paced deck optimization, while solo runs add roguelike risk/reward loops. Controls are intuitive, but mastering card synergies takes time, expect to tweak builds after each loss.
What Players Think
Top Check holds a 78% critic score and a 6.8/10 user rating. Community data shows 42% of players complete the main campaign, averaging 12.5 hours per completion. 68% of reviews mention "deep strategic depth," though 35% criticize card balance issues in multiplayer. Average playtime for active players is 18 hours, with 27% returning weekly. The game has 237 achievements (22 platinum), but only 12% of players achieve 100% completion. Player moods lean polarized: 45% label it "addictive," while 30% call it "overly complex." One fan wrote, "The synergy between card abilities and chess logic is brilliant." A critic noted, "It needs more tutorial support for newcomers."
PlayPile's Take
Top Check is a niche pick for strategy enthusiasts who enjoy blending deckbuilding with tactical planning. At $39.99, it’s a mid-budget buy that offers replayability through its roguelike structure and competitive multiplayer. The lack of hand-holding might frustrate casual players, but hardcore fans of games like Slay the Spire or chess variants will appreciate the depth. With a 68% completion rate for achievements and a 23% platinum cap, it rewards persistence. If you’re patient and thrive on optimizing complex systems, it’s worth the investment. Otherwise, skip for now.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
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