Library Of Ruina: What Critics & Players Say
A summary of critic and player reviews — not a hands-on review.
▶ Library Of Ruina is a complex, narrative-driven strategy game praised for its unique world and story, though it is noted for a steep difficulty curve and UI issues.
What is Library Of Ruina?
Library Of Ruina is an indie RPG strategy card battler and direct sequel to Lobotomy Corporation. Players take on the role of the Library's owner, receiving guests who engage in stage-like combat. The premise centers on defeating these visitors to turn them into books, which in turn allows the Library to grow and unlock deeper secrets in pursuit of one perfect book.
How It Plays
The core gameplay loop involves turn-based card battles where players manage their deck to defeat guests. Success in these encounters grants books that facilitate deck growth and narrative progression. Players must navigate complex mechanics and a 'pain curve' of increasing difficulty, managing their librarians' abilities to overcome increasingly brutal encounters.
The Consensus
Both critics and players agree that the game features a compelling, twisted narrative and deep strategic mechanics, but they also concur that the user interface can be awkward and the difficulty spikes are significant.
What Critics Say
Critic coverage is limited, but reviews from sites like Nintendo Life describe the game as a 'fantastic and frustrating experience' that could become a cult classic. While some praise the high-quality voice acting and the way deck growth is tied to the story, others criticize the lack of a natural difficulty curve and a 'slapdash' interface on the Switch version with fonts that are too small for handheld mode.
What Players Say
Players report an overwhelmingly positive experience, with some describing the emotional impact of completing the lengthy journey. However, a common sentiment among the community is the necessity of using mods to avoid excessive grinding after losing fights and to mitigate occasional bugs during long sessions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Unique integration of deck growth and storytelling
- ✓ Deep and complex strategic combat
- ✓ Compelling and twisted narrative
- ✓ High-quality voice acting
Cons
- ✗ Steep and unnatural difficulty curve
- ✗ Cramped or awkward user interface
- ✗ Potential for excessive grinding without mods
- ✗ Heavy reliance on previous game lore
Who It's For
👍 Who it's for: Players who enjoy high-difficulty strategy games and deep, atmospheric storytelling will find this rewarding.
👎 Who should skip it: Those who dislike 'walls of text' or lack the patience for a brutal learning curve and UI frustrations should pass.
💲 Worth it? At $29.99, it is considered worth it for those who can handle the difficulty, offering a massive and emotionally resonant experience.
How It Compares
| Compared to | How Library Of Ruina differs |
|---|---|
| Slay the Spire | Library Of Ruina focuses more on a linear, overarching narrative and complex RPG elements than a roguelike loop |
| Lobotomy Corporation | It shifts the gameplay from management simulation to a strategic card-battler while continuing the same story world |
Screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play Lobotomy Corporation first?
It is a direct sequel with heavy spoilers; critics recommend playing it or watching a story summary first.
Is the game difficult?
Yes, reviewers describe it as 'brutal' with a significant 'pain curve' and lack of a natural difficulty progression.
Are mods recommended?
Yes, players strongly suggest mods to reduce excessive grinding after losses and fix certain bugs.
How is the Switch version?
Some critics report the interface is slapdash with fonts that are too small for handheld play.
What is the main goal of the game?
The goal is to grow the Library by turning guests into books to eventually obtain one singular, perfect book.