Children of Zodiarcs asks players to spend hours grinding out cards, characters and resources to build a deck that can finally win. The 2017 game, released for PS4, PC, Mac and XONE, turns that grind into a slow, deliberate pleasure rather than a chore. It earns a 7.9 out of 10.
Trailer, via Cardboard Utopia.
Building a Deck From Scratch
Children of Zodiarcs starts simple. Players choose a character class, then build a deck from cards earned through combat. Each card carries a cost, and each combat round forces players to manage resources carefully. That simplicity is the game’s strength.
The resource management system is the heart of Children of Zodiarcs. Cards cost resources to play, and players gain resources from their hand and from defeated enemies. Managing those resources across multiple rounds requires constant planning. Missions that require specific builds reward players who think several moves ahead.
The Slow Burn of Progression
Children of Zodiarcs is not a game that rushes. Early missions move quickly, but the difficulty ramps up steadily. Players will die often, especially against bosses, and the game does not ease that blow.
The pacing is deliberate, and it works. By the time the final boss arrives, players have spent dozens of hours building decks, learning enemy patterns and managing their resources. That progression feels earned rather than forced.
Classes, Resources and the Resource System
Children of Zodiarcs offers several classes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choosing a class shapes how players approach combat, since some classes gain resources faster than others.
Here is a rough breakdown of the class options:
- A class focused on quick strikes and low-cost cards.
- A class built around high-cost, high-damage cards.
- A class that gains resources through enemy actions.
- A class that focuses on crowd control and defense.
Each class changes how combat plays out, and switching between them forces players to rethink their entire strategy.
| Class | Focus | Resource Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Strikes | Low-cost cards, fast early game | Moderate |
| High Damage | High-cost cards, late-game power | Slow |
| Enemy Actions | Gains resources from enemy actions | Variable |
| Crowd Control | Defense, area effects | Balanced |
A Long Road to the End
Children of Zodiarcs is not a short game. Missions can take a long time to complete, and the difficulty spikes near the end of the campaign. Players who rush will fail.
The game rewards patience. Players who take their time, learn enemy patterns and build solid decks find the later missions more rewarding. Those who push too fast will face repeated deaths.
Where It Falls Short
Children of Zodiarcs is not perfect. Some missions feel repetitive, and the game’s difficulty curve can feel harsh at times. Players new to the genre may struggle with the resource management systems.
The game also lacks a strong tutorial. Some mechanics are explained poorly, leaving players to figure things out through trial and error. That can frustrate players who want a smoother start.
Final Verdict
Children of Zodiarcs succeeds because it trusts players to enjoy the grind. The deck-building loop is satisfying, and the combat system rewards careful thought. The game’s difficulty and lack of polish keep it from greatness, but its core loop holds up over dozens of hours.
For players who enjoy slow, deliberate games, Children of Zodiarcs is worth the time. For players who want a fast, action-packed experience, it will feel slow. The game’s strengths outweigh its flaws, even if the journey to the end takes a while.
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