Dungeon Clawler 1.0 is out now - it will hook you and frustrate you just like the real thing

Dungeon Clawler from Stray Fawn Studio has hit 1.0 bringing the world of roguelite deckbuilders to claw machines. It's certainly an interesting combo. Disclosure: the developer sent a key to GamingOnLinux back in 2024.

You might recognise Stray Fawn Studio from developing the likes of The Wandering Village and Nimbatus - The Space Drone Constructor, along with multiple other titles they publish like Gambonanza, Airborne Empire and Flotsam.

I remember the days of going to the arcade, wasting all my pennies and pounds on various machines. One of the most frustrating of which being those damned claw machines. Slot in your coin, move the stick, press the button and then watch as it grabs something - only to drop it just before getting to the prize drop. Stick in another coin, repeat, maybe this time I'll get lucky? Only now I'm older, balder and have small people that want to do the same. So to see that experience combined with a deckbuilding roguelite is a little odd. Just like the real thing, you'll want to keep coming back to see if you can just win it big this time with all the frustration that comes with it.

Only here, you're only forking out that single purchase to play it over and over again across the many different characters that battle it out with everything you manage to pick up with the different types of claws. It really will sink that claw into you.

Check out the 1.0 trailer below:

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What you get is a game that's fun and relaxing in a really strange way. All the controls and the way you interact with it is simple, as it's mostly just positioning the claw and attempting to grab what you need to beat each encounter. The main claw mechanic really makes it interesting, as you're constantly deciding on what to attempt to pick up. Because there's lots of different items, and the different size and shape of the items will also affect how your grab goes for what you can actually end up with. Every drop of the claw is a gamble, for better or worse.

There's a fair bit of room for experimentation too. Not just because of the different characters, with their own set of items to start with but you also get special rooms as you explore the dungeons where you can upgrade items, or transform them with special effects too. It's another game that will expand the more you play it.

Game Highlights:

• Unlock 26 unique characters, each with distinct abilities and playstyles.
• Experiment with 8 different claws, each transforming how you grab items.
• Combine over 120 items with 85 passive perks to create powerful synergies.
• Battle 40+ enemies and 17 bosses, each with unique mechanics.
• Explore mysterious locations, encounter strange allies, and risk it all in pachinko machines for powerful rewards.

Compared with practically all the other deckbuilding roguelites / roguelikes around, it feels really unique and I certainly haven't played anything else like it. Overall it's a fun and unique experience to relax with that won't suck away all your monies.

Priced at $14.99 / €14.99 / £12.99 with a 35% launch discount that ends May 14th.