I think Forced Showdown has done a great job of incorporating different strategic layers on top of a twin stick shooter.

Forced Showdown is a clever little game that skillfully mixes action elements to a card game core, providing a lot of fun. Only the lack of any multiplayer mod is a real drawback. If you're a solo player you won't regret spending your money.

It might not be the most original idea ever, but it is a solid twin-stick brawler with familiar elements from card games. And we just can't stop playing it.

Forced Showdown is an action RPG Roguelike where you have to fight for your life in a sequence of arenas. Going forward will let you face enemies each time stronger and merciless. Cards are the way: they will give you more juice, power and support abilities to survive longer. Luck is also essential to win all the battles till the end. If you like hard challenges this game is for you.

The strategic card selection and management combined with satisfying action makes for an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I enjoyed seeing my character slowly become more powerful as you gain better cards that will help you progress further.

Deeper than the previous iteration on this new franchise, but it still has a lot of room to improve especially on its visual presentation.

I really wanted to like Forced Showdown. Maybe there’s something about it that just didn’t *click* with me. Too many half-baked ideas does not a casserole make, my mother always said. If they had taken the time to expand on what makes each of the genres compelling, this could have been a whole different review. Instead, it’s a hot mess on your keyboard.