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Monster Train

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Xbox Series X|S • 2020

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Quick resume

Monster Train is a strategic roguelike deck building game with a twist. Set on a train to hell, you’ll use tactical decision making to defend multiple vertical battlegrounds. With real time competitive multiplayer and endless replayability, Monster Train is always on time.

Global score

96/100

Genres

Strategy, Card & Board Game, Indie, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Role-playing (RPG)

Pros

  • Highly replayable with diverse clan combinations
  • Strategic depth and creative deck building
  • Accessible yet challenging difficulty curve
  • Engaging fantasy theme and music
  • Strong progression and unlock systems

Cons

  • Limited narrative and story depth
  • Some rng frustration at higher difficulties
  • Visual style may not appeal to all
  • Minimal multiplayer and social features
  • Repetitive map structure

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant control over deck building, card upgrades, and strategic decisions during runs, including choosing clans and customizing cards."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game offers a challenging skill curve with strategic depth in deck building and combat, rewarding effective play and mastery."

  • Competition
    1

    "While there is a multiplayer mode and leaderboards, most play is focused on individual runs and personal progression."

  • Continuation
    5

    "Highly replayable with hundreds of hours reported, daily challenges, and progression systems that encourage habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player focused with minimal cooperative elements; multiplayer modes are limited and not central."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Strong emphasis on creative deck building, card upgrades, and combining clans to experiment with strategies."

  • Domination
    -3

    "Interactions are balanced and respectful; no evidence of power imposition or trash talk in reviews."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Players use the game for stress relief, distraction, and immersive fantasy experiences, including personal emotional support."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Encourages trying new clan combinations, card synergies, and strategies with each run."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Some exploration of new card combinations and challenges, but map and environment are relatively fixed."

  • Expression
    2

    "Players can customize decks and upgrade cards, but limited cosmetic or avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong fantasy theme with demons, angels, and imaginative settings inspired by hell and mythology."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Mostly solo play with limited social or community interaction beyond optional challenges."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills in deck building, strategy, and game mechanics over time with a learning curve."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during runs; not suited for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Minimal social interaction or emotional connection with others; primarily individual experience."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "No evidence of leadership roles; players act independently without managing others."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong progression through unlocking cards, clans, upgrades, and difficulty levels."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Provides flow and tension release, though some difficulty spikes can cause frustration."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable visuals and music provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    1

    "Some recognition through achievements and leaderboards, but mostly individual focus."

  • Story
    -2

    "Minimal narrative; story is light and mostly background flavor rather than immersive plot."

  • Strategy
    5

    "High strategic depth in deck building, unit placement, and resource management."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Tension and excitement from challenging runs and boss fights, with risk and reward dynamics."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report high value for time invested with extensive content and replayability."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves defeating enemies with spells and units; fantasy violence is a core mechanic."

  • Survival
    4

    "Players must manage threats and resources to protect the pyre and survive through runs."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026