Madjack Vs Magic combines action, strategy, indie, and RPG elements into a single-player roguelike deck builder on PC. Players take on the role of Madjack, a middle-aged rabbit magician trapped in a cursed manor, where each run involves building a deck to survive bullet hell encounters and advance an evolving story tied to the Swan Song curse.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on deck construction and real-time decision making during combat. At the start of a run, players select card suits that determine which cards and relics appear in the manor. Cards from different suits can be mixed to form combos that scale damage or provide defensive options. Relics add passive effects that persist across encounters, encouraging experimentation with avoidance-focused builds or those centered on raw power output.
Combat shifts between card play and bullet hell sequences. Enemies hand over special zero-cost attack cards that dictate the projectile patterns players face after their turn ends. These cards carry their own effects, some beneficial and others harmful, requiring careful selection. Grazing projectiles builds a token meter that carries extra resources into the next turn, rewarding precise movement. Ace cards activate real-time abilities inside the arenas, adding another layer of timing and positioning during intense projectile waves.
Exploration of the manor reveals secrets and opportunities to interact with trapped residents. These characters observe player choices across runs and adjust their responses, sometimes offering run assistance and other times pursuing their own goals. Unlocks earned between runs expand available tools, while optional powerful foes and secret bosses test advanced builds.
Game Modes
The game operates through repeated roguelike runs set within the same manor environment. Each attempt progresses an overarching narrative that shifts based on prior actions and discoveries. There are no separate competitive or cooperative modes; the experience stays focused on solo progression through deck experimentation and story branching.
Players manage resources like tokens and cards while navigating enemy arenas that function as bullet hell minigames. The structure emphasizes replayability through suit selection, card combinations, and narrative reactions rather than distinct playlists or match types.
Key Mechanics and Progression
Over 120 cards and more than 60 relics form the foundation for customization. Suits chosen at the run start filter the loot pool, pushing players toward synergistic strategies. Enemy attack cards integrate directly into the turn structure, turning defense into an active choice that influences the upcoming projectile pattern.
Grazing rewards aggressive positioning by granting extra tokens for card plays. Ace cards provide on-demand abilities during the bullet hell phases, bridging the gap between strategic deck building and moment-to-moment execution. Dynamic soundtrack elements adapt to the intensity of encounters, supporting the atmosphere without overpowering the focus on mechanics.
Between runs, permanent unlocks accumulate, giving access to new cards, relics, and options for future attempts. Secrets hidden throughout the manor encourage thorough exploration on each visit, while the evolving reactions from residents add layers to repeated playthroughs.
Is It Worth Playing?
Madjack Vs Magic targets fans of roguelike deck builders who enjoy integrating action combat and bullet hell elements. The single-player format rewards careful deck synergy, risk-reward grazing, and attention to how choices affect the narrative across multiple runs. With the game still in development and a playtest available, interested players can test the card systems, enemy patterns, and resident interactions directly.
Those who prefer pure turn-based strategy without active dodging or who seek multiplayer options may find the hybrid approach less appealing. The current focus on run-based progression and build variety offers a solid foundation for the genre, particularly for players who value experimentation with over 120 cards and the interplay between defensive and offensive strategies. Availability on PC makes it accessible once the full release arrives.
