Epic Games Store is giving away Zoeti which blends poker strategy with roguelite action in a way that’s simple to pick up but tough to master.
Forget fancy custom cards. Zoeti uses a standard 52-card deck (numbers 1-10 in four suits: Batons, Coupes, Epees, Denieres). You draw five cards each turn and form poker hands like pairs, full houses, or royal flushes to trigger skills. A simple pair might heal you, while a straight flush unleashes massive damage. It’s like playing poker against monsters, where every hand counts.
A Monster-Filled World
The story kicks off in Arcania, a land once peaceful but now crawling with beasts born from a dead god’s blood. Two goddesses clashed: Zoeti (light and stars) versus Nesis (demons). Zoeti’s final act scattered “Star-Souls” – elite heroes like you – to fight back and stop the Extinction Fiend. You explore a roguelite map with battles, shops, events, and rest spots like inns or campfires.
Choices matter: Risk a tough elite fight for big rewards, or play it safe? Chat with quirky locals like Winfred the innkeeper (with her secrets) or sneaky Rabelle the scoundrel. These fuzzy friends offer quests, upgrades, or tricks, adding charm and replay value. Runs end in permadeath, but meta-progress unlocks more for future tries.
Three Unique Heroes
Pick from three Star-Souls, each with distinct playstyles:
- Alves the Warrior: Tanky brute who shines in close fights. Focus on high-damage flushes and defenses. Steam users call him the “most reliable” for tough spots.
- Valentina the Mage: Burst damage queen. Her spells need complex hands but hit hard. Pair with card draw upgrades to avoid bad luck.
- Nicora the Assassin: Stealthy and quick, great for chaining attacks. Rewards aggressive builds.
Switch heroes mid-hub, but each has story missions to clear first. Five difficulties, three modes (Story, Adventure, endless?), and dozens of builds keep things fresh.
Poker Mechanics
Combat is the star. See enemy intents (like Slay the Spire), then play your hand. Assign skills to hand types – upgrade them at rests for synergies like extra draws or damage boosts. Accessories add perks, like more health or card tweaks.
Luck plays a role (bad draws hurt), but smart play wins: Save cards for key hands, balance attack/defense, and adapt. Runs last 30-60 minutes, perfect for quick sessions. Polish issues like bugs or repetition pop up in reviews, but patches have helped.
Art is cute 2D hand-drawn style with lively animations. Soundtrack surprises with epic tunes, though some tracks loop. Steam scores it “Mostly Positive” (78%), Metacritic around 70 – solid for indies.
Conclusion
Zoeti delivers addictive, brain-teasing fun for roguelite lovers who enjoy strategy over grind. Its charming world, hero variety, and poker heart make every run exciting. Grab it free while you can – shuffle up and play your best hand against evil.
You can download Zoeti from https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/zoeti-3ccef9.