REVIEW | Iris and the Giant (Tidbit-style)

We love all sorts of games. Sometimes it is hard to cover a game in our traditional review style that’s why we have tidbit-style reviews. These shorter reviews cover games that deserve attention too but simply don’t fit our good, mixed, and bad template. In addition, they get a monthly summary article to give them even more reader attention!

Iris and the Giant | Score: 85%
Developer: Louis Rigaud
Publisher: Klabater

On screenshots, it gives a false impression as the game is beautiful. You might have to understand the game first to see how wonderful the art creation is. Our playable character Iris is struggling with mental issues, explained by cutscenes that you find by reaching levels in this roguelike deck-building game. The gameplay is all about facing and beating inner fears and demons, Iris can beat them by using cards that deal damage.

That card system gives the game unique gameplay and makes it a lot more challenging, as cards can run out and that means an inevitable game over. It is accessible so I’m sure everyone will understand it, but it does mean that more than just Iris’s health is important to survive. Your main priority is to defeat the enemies as fast as possible without using too many cards. Getting new cards happens by opening chests and by leveling up Iris or meeting new imaginary friends. That is done by completing (difficult) challenges and a large part of the Achievements from the game. You have to overcome twenty floors with multiple stairways but that’s easier said than done. There is one thing that kinda made me smile when I realized it, by having enough friends Iris becomes strong enough to finish the game. In other words, she has the ability to overcome her inner demons when she accepts help from others. I think that’s an important real-life lesson, get help when things become to hard for you.