My current obsession with the Steam Deck is a tactical variation of Space Invaders.

      There are only a few games that I consider truly timeless, and Space Invaders is near the top of that list. Whenever I play it, I still find it engaging, often more so than many modern games that are significantly larger in size. Its simplicity conceals a deeper strategy that intrigues me. What’s the best method to eliminate waves of aliens? How do you handle columns of aliens as they draw nearer? Each game is a challenge where every shot matters.

      StarVaders embraces this concept and naturally evolves it. This new indie game is part of a continuing trend of genre hybrids, merging roguelike mechanics, deck-building, and shoot-em-up elements. I was initially skeptical when I heard the description, but after spending a week experimenting with it, I’m completely hooked. StarVaders captures the essence I feel when playing Space Invaders and adeptly translates it into a turn-based tactical format, compelling me to start just one more run.

      The premise is recognizable: aliens have invaded Earth! Shocking, right? A team of mech pilots is tasked with defending against them. It’s a straightforward setup, but there’s unexpected depth in the direction the narrative takes. After each run, I encounter cryptic dialogue that gradually reveals more about what transpired. I haven’t uncovered enough yet to fully grasp the story, but it adds a layer of narrative intrigue to the already engaging roguelike framework.

      Gameplay is central to the experience, and with each run, I discover even more depth. StarVaders feels like a blend of Into the Breach and Space Invaders. Each level is set on a grid-based board where I position myself at the bottom while various alien ships descend from above. They inch closer to the bottom with every turn, and if they reach the bottom three rows before I can eliminate them, my doom meter ticks up. Once I accumulate five doom points, my run ends.

      To defeat the ships before that occurs, I need to utilize cards from my deck, which consists of offensive and movement options, each incurring some heat cost. I must move and attack every turn to control the board, while also keeping in mind the unique characteristics of each alien. Some might require two shots to break their shields, while others may move twice as far in a single turn. A successful round necessitates careful management of every action. This aspect is reminiscent of Into the Breach, echoing that game's strategic approach to combat.

      The more I play, the more layers I discover in that core mechanic. Like Monster Train, I have opportunities to enhance my deck and earn passive relics between rounds. I can occasionally upgrade cards as well, transforming basic ones into vital assets. For example, a basic movement can be modified to end with an upward shot, or a quick shot can gain a repeat status effect if it takes out an enemy. As I familiarize myself with the various status effects and their implications, my runs become more efficient. With the right cards, I can clear an entire board of enemies with just a few strategically played cards.

      There’s a smart element of risk involved in that strategy too. Each turn, I have only three heat to manage. Exceeding this limit puts me at risk of overheating, meaning I can play one additional card, but it will be burned and unavailable until the next round. Similarly, there’s a risk in dodging enemy strikes. Each turn reveals red areas where foes will attack once my turn concludes. I can use movement cards to evade or deliberately take the damage. Doing so adds a junk card to my deck, which I must spend heat to remove if I prefer not to keep it during my draws. There are numerous situations where this risk pays off as long as I understand my deck and its capabilities well.

      I’m still in the early stages of my playthrough, but I’ve uncovered a variety of deck-building strategies to explore while weighing those risks. Some of my builds revolve around intentionally purging cards from my hand to gain extra heat, while others focus on placing bombs across the board and shooting to trigger them. There are several characters to unlock across three classes, each with unique skills, and I gain new cards with every level-up in the meta progression system. With more challenges to uncover and story elements to experience, StarVaders is a game I know I’ll revisit multiple times this year. I feel like I can gain a bit more strategy with each run, which is what truly makes it reminiscent of Space Invaders, even more than its alien protagonists.

      StarVaders is currently available on PC.