Steam free download hailed by fans as 'captivating 5/5'

It’s Sunday, the most languid day of the week.

It’s with that in mind that I hope you’re taking it easy today; venturing out on a walk, sitting in the sun with a good book, or perhaps catching up on your gaming backlog.

If it is gaming time you’re squeezing in, I have a little recommendation that’s well worth checking out.

Shroom and Gloom is an upcoming roguelike deck-builder that’s recently launched a free demo over on Steam, and it’s one that’s garnered rave reviews from players.

Roguelike deck-builders are really having their moment in the spotlight, with tons of new titles trying to follow in the footsteps of Slay The Spire and Balatro.

Shroom and Gloom sees you navigate a dark underground labyrinth, fending off the enemies that stand in your way as you attempt to escape.

It’s played from a first-person perspective and features a really cool hand drawn art style.

Players will build two decks - a combat deck and an explorer’s deck - which will unlock various weapons and abilities.

“Shroom and Gloom offers unique ways for players to grow and modify their cards infinitely,” the game’s description teases.

“Grow low level starting cards into overpowered attacks, or modify rare cards into game-breaking super-weapons!”

The full release is due to feature hundreds of cards but, of course, the demo offers just a slither of that action.

In the demo, you’ll be able to work your way through 26 handcrafted tunnels, so that should be plenty of time for you to see if the game is for you.

I will say that it’s already garnered a ‘Very Positive’ review score, with players full of praise for the indie title.

“​​Great demo, great game. Not your usual approach to this style of game, but the small twists are clever and well thought out. [...] 10/10 would consume mushroom again,” wrote one player.

“Captivating 5/5,” added another.

“Good Bones, Super excited to see how this game fills out. Visually and tonally a treat,” read one review.

Shroom and Gloom is developed by Team Lazerbeam and published by Devolver Digital - and we’ll be keeping an eye out for its full release date.