Dungeon Clawler review - "A brilliant and engaging deck builder"

• Engaging turn-based combat with claw machine mechanic
• Procedurally generated levels keep the dungeon feeling fresh
• Unlock new playable characters with distinct perks, like special claws

Dungeon crawling action and classic arcade fun collide in Dungeon Clawler, a new deck builder from Stray Fawn Studio. You play as an adorable yet spunky rabbit, Sir Bunalot, who must fight tooth and claw to reclaim his paw after a night of gambling goes wrong. Battle baddies in turn-based claw machine-inspired combat as you build and upgrade your deck and explore the Dungeon Lord's lair.

As you progress, you'll unlock new playable characters, such as Squiddy, a green squid in a fishbowl, and the overall-wearing Bennie Beaver. Each character has a distinct starter deck and perk. For instance, Squiddy’s second claw is a tentacle that objects stick to while Count Clawcula heals himself for 10% of all damage dealt to enemies. 

Further, the first time you beat all 20 stages as a new character, you’ll earn the character paw back. Unlocked paws will be available as items to add to your deck to allow one character to use another’s perk.

The Claw Rules the Battlefield in Dungeon Clawler

You'll start each battle weaponless. Luckily, you can nab shields, weapons, and other items from the mighty claw machine. You get two claws to use each turn. Simply slide your finger across the screen to move the claw, and then tap the arrow to release it. Any items you snag in the claw will come to you through the prize shoot and be used automatically.

After using both claws, your enemies will get a turn to attack. There's not much you can do to avoid incoming attacks. Therefore, it's best to try to up your shield level by grabbing a few shields from the machine during your turn. Luckily, the claw can pick up multiple items, so as long as you angle it right, you won't have to choose between attacking, shielding yourself, or healing up.

You can view your deck by tapping the backpack on the right side of the screen. Objects you can grab from the machine include weapons, buff items, shields, potions, and bits of fluff that cushion your gear.

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To start, your deck will only include a few essentials, like daggers and small shields. However, you’ll be rewarded with new items for your deck by beating enemies and using prize wheels.  The Syringe, which deals 10 damage to an enemy adding five damage each time it's used, and the Double-Bladed Sword, which costs five health but deals 20 damage, are just some of the cool items you can add to your deck.

Dungeon Clawler: Using the Prize Wheel

Between battles, you'll come across prize rooms. Some of these rooms feature prize wheels that look sort of like a large gumball machine. Tap play, and the wheel will spin and drop two perks as prizes, which you'll have to choose between. It's good to keep in mind that purple perks are rare, blue are uncommon, and grey are common.

If you happen across a prize room with a granny rabbit in a rocker, you're in luck, as these claw machines only dispense health potions and coins. However, the claw machines in rooms with a harlequin rabbit include items such as spiky balls that deal damage when picked up, along with actual prizes. 

Upgrade Your Deck to  Dominate in Dungeon Clawler

You can upgrade shields and weapons at the blacksmith, which you'll randomly come across as you play. As you'd expect, upgrades give you more of an edge in battle. If you happen to have the blacksmith coupon show up as a rewarding choice after a battle, be sure to snatch it up, as it lets you upgrade one item for free every time you go to the blacksmith. This can be a real lifesaver if you show up to the blacksmith low on coin.

There is also a shredder indicated on the floor map by a trashcan, where you can dispose of unwanted items to free up space in your deck for new loot. Each item you shred costs you ten coins, so be sure it's really the best option before you destroy anything.

Dungeon Clawler: No Reviving

If you die in Dungeon Clawler, you'll have to restart from the beginning. While this can be frustrating, it makes each consecutive battle you win all the more satisfying. Luckily, the 20 dungeon stages are randomly generated, so no two runs will be the same.

Dungeon Clawler is a rather ingenious deck builder. You'll be entertained by the quirky characters and the unique claw machine mechanic. The engaging, procedurally generated dungeons you'll explore keep things feeling fresh. You'll enjoy trying out different characters' perks and collecting and upgrading new items for your deck. For fans of deck builders and those with a passion for claw machines, Dungeon Clawler is a real prize.