Peglin [Nintendo Switch][Review]
Peglin launched into early access in 2021. It’s a clever take on the deck-builder formula featuring pachinko-inspired combat. Sessions are short, and gameplay is addictive and fun. I kept being trapped inm the perfect cycle of quickly completing a game and wanting to go just one more round, knowing I could get farther next time. I however had not played it until, on completion of early access, the game launched suddenly on the Nintendo Switch in August. This is the version I got a key for (thanks Keymailer for the free key) and what I will be reviewing for the release of Peglin 1.0
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (REVIEWED), Android, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems
Initial release date: 2021
Genres: Role-playing video game, Indie game, Strategy video game, Puzzle, Shooter game
Developer: Red Nexus Games
Publishers: Red Nexus Games, IndieArk, Blitworks, Yaozuo Games Technology Co., Ltd.
The story is simple enough. The goblins have been menaced by a dragon for long enough, and Peglin is going to march into the woods, conquer the fortress, and enter the dragon’s lair to put him in his place. How is he going to do that? Simple! With the power of pachinko, special orbs, and magical relics.
The dev described this as a mix of Slay the Spire and Peggle. Now, I’ve never played Peggle, so I was initially a little apprehensive. How could hitting pegs make for good rouge-like gameplay?
Well, it turns out it makes for awesome gameplay. While there were satisfying clinks upon hitting pegs and controller vibration that instantly hooked me at the onset, Red Nexus Games has built a simple yet deceptively deep combat system and gameplay loop. I’ll do my best to describe it.
Peglin’s deck contains orbs, each with varying attack power, and effects that shape combat. For example, there are buffs that can protect Peglin from damage, and debuffs that poison enemies or lower accuracy. Orbs can have varying weight and bounce differently, so thought is required with how to best utilize the orbs.
Then there are the pegs. Hit a peg, destroy it, and do damage. The more pegs you hit, the more damage you do. There are also special pegs, though. Pegs that change the damage you do to critical damage, pegs that refresh all the pegs on the board, pegs that give you gold, and bomb pegs that, upon being hit twice, damaged all enemies on screen for a set amount of damage, and so forth. The pegboards themselves are premade, and usually determined by what enemy player's face. While some boards are better than others, overall they’re pretty solid and a lot of fun to play on.
RNG plays a big factor into how these runs go compared to say Slay the Spire. With Slay The Spire, while there’s some luck, a lot of that game comes down to good planning. With this game, while there is some skill involved, the run depends on having the good luck to be able to create an effective build, and not have the game screw me over too hard. I love games with an element of randomness, and while it may not be for everyone, I was delighted to be at the whims of the Peggle Gods.
One important thing about these type of games is replayability, which Peglin offers in a couple different forms. There are four different characters to play through as, three of which need to be unlocked. Additionally, beating the game unlocks progressively harder and harder challenges to play through. Finally, there is a custom start where players can build their own conditions for playing the game. While a few elements such as the enemies and random events are a little repetitive, there are numerous different orbs and relics (items that augment Peglin in various ways). Every single one of my runs have felt unique.
On the Nintendo Switch, Peglin is a solid port. The game runs smoothly, and I’ve noticed no issues. The Nintendo Switch is a great option if players want to play a portable version of this game.
Overall, Peglin is a solid and effective entry to the rougelike deck builder genre. I give this game a 9/10. It’s close to a perfect experience, and the hours I’ve sunk into it at this point are proof of that.
My Score: 9/10
