Knock on the Coffin Lid Review | PC

Stepping into Knock on the Coffin Lid feels like wandering through a dark fairy tale, where every choice matters and each decision can lead you deeper into trouble—or occasionally, triumph. This roguelike deckbuilding stands out not only because of its deck mechanics but also for its narrative ambition. The small team at Redboon has done an excellent job in making a roguelike deckbuilding that is different from the crowd with Knock on the Coffin Lid.

 

 

You play as a resurrected warrior given a second chance, but the world you're brought back into isn't exactly welcoming. Everything, from the characters you meet to the enemies you fight, is steeped in grim fantasy. You're in for a treat if that's your cup of tea.

The gameplay centers around strategic deckbuilding, where every card drawn feels like a calculated move in a chess game. At first glance, it may seem like just another addition to the ever-growing roguelike deckbuilding genre. But after a few runs, it becomes clear that Knock on the Coffin Lid has a unique flair.

It takes the traditional deckbuilding formula and adds equipment, talents, and choices that impact your journey. It's not just about surviving another battle; it's about doing so with the right set of tools that make your journey easier—if you're lucky enough to find them.

Combat is turn-based, and while that might feel familiar to anyone who's played games like Slay the Spire, Darkest Dungeon, or Monster Train, there's more to it here. Each battle tests your knowledge of your deck and your ability to think on your feet.

Do you play defensively, hoping to outlast your opponent, or go all out in hopes of dealing enough damage before they can counter? Every decision feels critical, especially as the difficulty ramps up in later stages.
 

 

Knock on the Coffin Lid stands out because of its use of equipment and status effects. Unlike many roguelike deckbuilding games, you're not just managing a deck. You're also juggling equipment that grants passive bonuses, status effects that can either save or ruin a run and even set bonuses that reward you for committing to a particular playstyle. It adds a layer of depth to the strategy, making each run feel fresh even when you're retracing your steps.

But let's talk about the story, which is where Knock on the Coffin Lid tries to set itself apart from the competition. The game is not just about grinding out runs for better scores. Instead, it weaves a narrative that develops through your repeated attempts to conquer its challenges. The overarching story progresses even after you die, kind of like Hades.

You're thrown into a world of uneasy alliances, fractured kingdoms, and ancient curses, where your choices can change how the story unfolds. This isn't just window dressing; it genuinely impacts your journey. Some paths might lead to unexpected allies, while others could drag you into unprepared conflicts. The branching storylines offer replayability, encouraging you to try different approaches to see how things play out.

That said, the storytelling in Knock on the Coffin Lid isn't without its hiccups. While the lore and setting are intriguing, the pacing can sometimes feel off. You might find yourself more invested in your deck and strategy than the story, especially after repeated runs where the narrative beats start to feel predictable. For those who enjoy deep world-building and lore exploration, there's enough here to keep you engaged, but don't expect a story on the level of a full-fledged RPG.

Visually, Knock on the Coffin Lid nails the dark fantasy aesthetic. The art style perfectly complements the game's tone, with detailed character designs and eerie backgrounds that set the mood. The animations, while not the most fluid, do the job of bringing the combat to life. Special mention goes to the card art, which is visually distinct and adds personality to your deck. Each card feels like it belongs to the world, and that's something not every deckbuilding game manages to pull off.
 

 

The audio design in Knock on the Coffin Lid also deserves some praise. The soundtrack matches the gloomy atmosphere of the world you're exploring, and while it might not be something you'll listen to outside of the game, it does a great job of immersing you in the experience. The full voice acting is much appreciated and is directed perfectly. Characters sound appropriately gruff, mysterious, or menacing, depending on who they are. It's a nice touch that makes interactions all the more engaging.

Now, let's get into the mechanics of Knock on the Coffin Lid a bit more. The game offers multiple characters, each with their own unique decks and abilities. This variety keeps things interesting, as different characters cater to different playstyles. You've got your standard brute-force warrior, but the more cunning rogue type relies on evasion and poisons.

Each character feels distinct, unlocking them gives you a sense of progression. However, the unlock system can be grindy, especially if you're eager to try out new characters early on. But once you've got them, the game opens up excitingly as you experiment with different builds.

One of the standout features of Knock on the Coffin Lid is the equipment system. Unlike other deckbuilding games where your deck is your only tool, you'll also manage gear that can turn the tide of battle here.

Finding a powerful weapon or armor set can make all the difference, and the game rewards you for finding synergies between your cards and your equipment. There's something deeply satisfying about pulling off a combo where your armor reduces damage taken while your cards dish out punishing counterattacks.
 

 

However, all of this complexity can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. The game throws a lot at you, and while it's not impossible to pick up, the learning curve is steep. The tutorial does a decent job of explaining the basics, but it leaves a lot for you to figure out on your own. If you're the type of player who enjoys discovering strategies through trial and error, this won't be a problem. But you might find the early hours frustrating if you prefer more guidance.

Performance-wise, Knock on the Coffin Lid runs smoothly most of the time, but there are occasional bugs and glitches that can interrupt the experience. These aren't game-breaking, but they can be annoying, especially when something goes wrong deep into a run. The developers have been patching the game regularly, so things are improving, but it's worth mentioning for those who might be sensitive to such issues.

Ultimately, Knock on the Coffin Lid offers a solid roguelike deckbuilding experience with some notable twists. It combines the strategic depth of deckbuilding with RPG elements, crafting a challenging, rewarding, and sometimes punishingly difficult game. The narrative elements add an extra layer of immersion, making each run feel part of a larger story rather than just another attempt to climb the leaderboard.

Knock on the Coffin Lid blends a compelling dark fantasy world with intricate deckbuilding mechanics. Its strengths lie in its variety of strategies, from managing your deck to utilizing powerful equipment, all while navigating a story that feels interconnected with your choices. The game's art style and audio work together to create an atmosphere that reels you in, and the different characters you unlock bring some welcome variety to the gameplay.

However, it's not without its flaws. The steep difficulty curve, occasional bugs, and the grindy nature of unlocking content might deter some players. The narrative, while intriguing, can sometimes take a backseat to the gameplay, and the linearity of certain paths might make repeated runs feel a bit too familiar after a while.
 

 

If you're a fan of roguelike deckbuilding games and enjoy a challenge, Knock on the Coffin Lid offers plenty of depth and replayability. Just be prepared for some rough edges. You might want to temper your expectations if you value narrative depth as much as gameplay. The game shines brightest when you're fully engaged in its strategic combat and experimentation, but it's not without its frustrations. Ultimately, it's a game worth playing if you're willing to push through the challenges and have a bit of patience.
 

Ahnaf Tajwar
Editor, NoobFeed