Iris and the Giant Review – Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Multiple Blue Rings

I knew it was a roguelike deck builder that required strategy, and I knew from promotional stills I’d seen that I loved the stylized yet simple art.

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Multiple Blue Rings
Multiple Blue Rings

I also knew it was originally released in 2020 but was finally released on consoles on March 3, 2023. What I wasn’t expecting going into the game was a narrative that felt like my teen years scrawled out on screen.

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Blue Rings

IRIS AND THE GIANT HAS A BEAUTIFUL AESTHETIC The roughly sketched and almost devoid-of-color cutscene that begins the game took my breath away.

Multiple Blue Rings
Blue Rings
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Multiple Blue Rings

As Iris, you must face dozens of demons, challenges, and painful memories while collecting cards, discovering new magic powers, and finding imaginary friends to accompany you on your journey.

Multiple Blue Rings
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As you defeat each row of enemies, the next advances. 45 enemies can be encountered, all with different abilities.

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LET ME SHOW YOU MY CARDS This brings us to the cards. There are over 50 different cards to collect throughout the world.

Multiple Blue Rings
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Multiple Blue Rings
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Multiple Blue Rings

If a chest is in the row directly before you, you can simply interact with it without ending your turn. Conversely, if the chest is further away, once you discover whip cards, you can Indiana Jones them in front of you by playing one.

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Multiple Blue Rings
Blue Rings
Multiple Blue Rings

As for the rest of the cards they are as varied as the enemies Iris must face. Heavy axe cards will strike the first row of demons. Swords allow you to not only attack but keep attacking if your hand contains more sword cards.