LONESTAR varies-with-devices

Sci-fi deckbuilder with roguelike elements

LONESTAR is a premium strategy game from Math Tide and Thermite Games. Using a mix of deckbuilding and roguelike elements, the game puts you in the shoes of a galactic bounty hunter. Go across the entire universe and fight different spaceships. Modify your spaceship, collect different characters, and unlock unique talents.

In terms of the gameplay experience, LONESTAR shares a lot of similarities with games like Darkest Dungeon and Slay the Spire, although its premise is quite unique in the sci-fi realm. With these game elements, however, this poses steep learning and difficulty curves, especially for new players.

Travel through space and capture criminals

As mentioned, the story of LONESTAR puts the player in the shoes of a new member of the Bounty Hunter Association. You start with a small spaceship, with tiled slots for future upgrades. There are two base models to choose from, each having different layouts and gameplay potentials. Additionally, you can collect and deploy different pilots, each having different progression and random talents to help you.

In terms of graphics, it features visuals similar to flash games of the previous decade, which is standard fare for the deckbuilding genre. On the plus side, it gives players a quick overview of essential game details, giving experienced players a way to gauge their potential enemies. Paired with a host of fun and enjoyable background tracks, you get a game that is almost infinitely replayable.

However, it’s worth noting that its difficulty curve is par for the course for players already in the deckbuilding and roguelike genres. The randomness of the pilots and the talents, and the need to play over and over again to unlock new weapons, make it replayable and enjoyable for the right audience. This makes the game not readily accessible for players unfamiliar with the genre.

A fun space adventure

Overall, LONESTAR succeeds in creating an unusual sci-fi adventure through its premise and its good use of deckbuilding and roguelike elements. The story works with the progression and with enough runs, you can create a build that will weather the uncertainties of pulling cards and randomized pilot talents. Essentially, this game is created for existing players of the mentioned genres, which explains why it can be challenging for new players.