Across the Obelisk Review (forsakenphoenix)
I feel like there has been a lot of controversy about this game. However, I still think that this game is one of my favorite games of all time.
To start, I think the big existing negative is the fact that further maps and characters are locked behind paid DLC. I believe that the devs have tried to address this by making DLC skins free and lowering the prices of new DLC. While it would be nice if they made the skins paid and content free, I'm sure that this was a financial decision made by the devs so they could keep producing new content for a game that is only $10 at full price.
Besides this, I think that the devs are actually really responsive to player feedback. Players were super upset when the game forced you to launch the Paradox launcher even when launching through Steam. They have now made an option where you can skip launching the the Paradox launcher. They have lowered the prices of new DLC. And ultimately, the game is super fun. I love deck building games and creating interesting synergies among all of the characters is very rewarding. There is a reason I've spent so much time in this game, and it's even better if you have someone to play it with you.
If you like Slay the Spire, I think you should definitely give this game a shot. I had plenty of fun playing the base game when it first launched, and you can always decide later whether you think you would want to invest further in the DLC. The devs have made some mistakes, but they are learning. I don't think this game deserves half the hate it has received over the years.