Shroom and Gloom, a new roguelike deckbuilder, is capturing attention with its inventive dual-deck system and a charming aesthetic centered around mushrooms. The game invites players into subterranean dungeons filled with vines, bones, and, of course, an abundance of fungi, where the goal is to complete quests, unlock new characters, gather items, and explore branching pathways.
What sets Shroom and Gloom apart is its two distinct decks. The first deck is dedicated to exploration. Players use cards like shovels to find new cards, lighters to build campfires for warmth, and tools to break through obstacles, all of which consume limited stamina. This mechanic forces strategic decision-making; overusing actions like digging or opening chests early can leave players without the stamina to progress, necessitating a rest.
Resting, however, is not always a comfortable affair in the game's gloomy, fungal environments. While players can improve campsites by lighting fires, clearing out nearby mushrooms, or removing remains, unavoidable negative effects often accompany rest. The damage taken during these rests can frequently outweigh the stamina replenished, encouraging players to press forward and engage in combat.
Stamina is replenished after each fight, making the combat deck the primary focus for advancement. This second deck is used to battle the game's mushroom adversaries. Combat cards are designed to deal damage, stun enemies, or heal the player. A unique aspect of the combat is the ability to interact with the mushroom enemies themselves, adding spices, hot sauce, or cooking them to increase damage before an attack. The game emphasizes combo potential, allowing players to string together various effects for devastating attacks.
While Shroom and Gloom does not heavily feature meta-progression, its run-based nature is supported by persistent cards that aid expeditions and unlockable characters offering different bonuses. Success hinges largely on player skill, including learning enemy attack patterns, identifying optimal early-game cards, and understanding subtle mechanics like feeding a rat for potential benefits. The act of dying is presented as less of a setback, allowing players to appreciate the game's detailed, hand-drawn visuals that create an illusion of depth.
Shroom and Gloom is currently in early access, with its combination of engaging combat, distinctive artwork, and strategic depth making it a notable entry in the deckbuilder genre. 
