A new indie title, Isle of Swaps, has just landed on Steam, combining elements of the beloved Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) with the unpredictability of roguelike deck-building. Developed by Fuzz Force, the game builds on the foundations of the Pokémon TCG but introduces fresh mechanics to create a unique experience for card game enthusiasts and roguelike fans alike.
While Pokémon TCG has long established itself as a dominant force in the card game world, Isle of Swaps seeks to offer a fresh take on the genre. Players familiar with classic Pokémon-inspired video game adaptations—like Pokémon Trading Card Game on Game Boy Color and the more recent Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket on mobile—will notice many similarities. However, Isle of Swaps mixes this classic framework with roguelike elements, delivering a blend of strategy, card management, and dynamic gameplay.
In Isle of Swaps, players step into the shoes of Dina, a card collector aiming to master the Critter Trading Card Game. Much like its Pokémon TCG inspiration, the gameplay revolves around building decks by collecting cards, trading, and engaging in strategic combat. Players must accumulate energy with weaker cards before unleashing more powerful, elemental-affiliated abilities, echoing the Pokémon card game’s familiar mechanics.
What sets Isle of Swaps apart is its roguelike deck-building approach, drawing influence from titles like Slay the Spire. Players choose from various characters, each offering unique abilities and playstyles. This feature enhances replayability, as players can experiment with different strategies across multiple runs, without being locked into one deck type.
With its blend of nostalgic Pokémon mechanics and innovative roguelike design, Isle of Swaps is poised to attract fans of both genres. The game’s dynamic card collection and combat system, combined with the unpredictability of roguelike elements, offer a new way to experience deck-building games.
Isle of Swaps is available now on Steam.
