Knock on the Coffin Lid: 1.0 Review

I haven’t played this game when it was in Early Access, but now after 5 years in EA it’s finally getting released. Let’s take a look at this game.

When I first booted up Knock on the Coffin Lid I found myself waking up in a cold, dark crypt, completely lost and surrounded by an enigmatic stranger. The setup was intriguing and a bit unsettling, setting the tone for what was to come. I had to piece together my memories while exploring the depths of my own death, and honestly, it felt like a fresh take on a genre I’ve played a lot.

Gameplay and Mechanics

If you’ve ever played Slay the Spire, you’ll notice that Knock on the Coffin Lid shares some similarities. You build a deck of cards to battle through procedurally generated dungeons. What stands out here is the game’s depth in build diversity. There are a variety of equipment sets that can really change how you approach each run. It’s somewhat reminiscent of ARPGs like “Diablo,” where gear sets play a huge role in shaping your gameplay strategy.

There are three main characters, each with four unique classes. The difference between these classes is more pronounced than I initially expected, which makes each playthrough feel distinct. This variety keeps the game engaging, as you’re constantly trying out new combinations and strategies.

Story and Atmosphere

The story, while not groundbreaking, is compelling enough to keep me invested. You gradually uncover more about your past and the cryptic world around you. It reminded me a bit of “Hades” in how the narrative unfolds through repeated runs. It’s not just about getting through the dungeon but also piecing together the mystery of your character’s death. The writing is solid, though it does have its share of minor grammatical issues.

Visuals and Sound

The game’s art style is one of its standout features. The visuals are detailed, and the animations are smooth, which adds a lot to the overall atmosphere. I appreciated the subtle details in the background during fights—things like moving shadows or distant figures—that made the world feel alive. The soundtrack is well done too, with music that fits the dark, mysterious vibe of the game.

Replayability and Challenge

One thing that kept me coming back was the high replayability. The different classes and equipment options meant that no two runs felt the same. However, having to start from the beginning each time can get a bit repetitive. It might be nice if there were some ways to mix things up at the start of each run to keep things feeling fresh.

As for difficulty, it’s definitely challenging, especially if you’re not used to this kind of game. Some classes took a lot of trial and error to get the hang of, which might be frustrating for some players. The game is still in Early Access, so I’m hoping the developers will continue to balance things and make improvements.