Dandy Ace
A roguelike dungeon crawler with card-based combat.
Dandy Ace is a 2021 roguelike action dungeon crawler video game developed by Mad Mimic and published by Neowiz. It was released for Microsoft Windows and macOS on March 25, 2021, with console ports for Xbox One and Nintendo Switch in September 2021, and for PlayStation 4 in November 2021. The game follows the titular Dandy Ace, a magician trapped in a procedurally generated world, who uses magic cards to attack and escape.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Dandy Ace
- Developer
- Mad Mimic
- Publisher
- Neowiz
- Engine
- Unity Engine
- Platforms
- Microsoft Windows · macOS · Nintendo Switch · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One
- Released
- macOS, Windows · March 25, 2021 · Switch, Xbox One · September 28, 2021 · PS4 · November 15, 2021
- Genre
- Roguelike, action role-playing
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Dandy Ace was developed by Mad Mimic, a Brazilian independent game studio based in São Paulo. The game was announced in February 2021 for a March 25 launch on Windows and macOS, with a playable demo on Steam. Console ports for Xbox One and Nintendo Switch arrived on September 28, 2021, followed by the PlayStation 4 version on November 15, 2021. Players control Dandy Ace, a flamboyant magician trapped in a cursed magic mirror by his rival Lele, the Green-Eyed Illusionist. To escape, he explores procedurally generated labyrinthine pathways, using up to four slotted magic cards for attacks, special abilities, and traversal. Cards can be upgraded, acquired from stores, or looted from enemies and treasure chests. Each run ends when Dandy Ace loses all hit points, forcing players to rebuild their card collection and use in-game currency to improve attributes and trinkets for future attempts. The game includes a Twitch mode allowing live-streaming players to request aid from viewers.
Reader's Guide
Dandy Ace received generally favorable reviews on Windows and Xbox One according to Metacritic, and OpenCritic reported 100% critic recommendation. Reviewers praised its art style, humor, and color use, as well as the versatility of the card combat system and freedom in customizing loadouts. The game's roguelike mechanics and challenging enemy selection were noted, with the skill management core appealing to rogue-lite fans. However, some critics pointed out poor narration and unfavorable comparisons to other roguelikes like Hades and Dead Cells. The game's significance lies in its card-based combat system that allows varied combinations and upgrades, distinguishing it within the roguelike genre. Its legacy includes being a notable entry from a Brazilian indie studio, with cross-platform releases and integration of Twitch interactivity.
Did You Know?
- Dandy Ace was developed by Mad Mimic, a Brazilian studio based in São Paulo.
- The game features a Twitch mode where live-streaming players can request aid from viewers.
- Console ports for Xbox One and Nintendo Switch were released on September 28, 2021.
- OpenCritic reported that 0% of critics recommended the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dandy Ace?
Dandy Ace is the protagonist of the 2021 roguelike dungeon crawler of the same name. He is a magician who finds himself trapped in a procedurally generated world and must rely on magic cards to fight and escape.
How does combat work in Dandy Ace?
The game centers on a card-based combat system where the player equips and plays magic cards to strike enemies and navigate encounters. This deck-driven approach is the title's signature mechanic and a major reason it stands out among dungeon crawlers.
What platforms is Dandy Ace available on?
The game launched on Microsoft Windows and macOS on March 25, 2021, with Xbox One and Nintendo Switch ports arriving in September 2021 and a PlayStation 4 release following in November 2021.
Who developed and published Dandy Ace?
Mad Mimic created the game as a roguelike action dungeon crawler, and Neowiz served as its publisher across all platforms.
Why do fans often compare Dandy Ace to Hades?
Both titles pair a fast-paced, run-based dungeon structure with a strong narrative thread, but Dandy Ace swaps melee combat for a unique card-driven fighting style. Players who enjoyed Hades' loop often gravitate toward Dandy Ace for that same replayable, skill-based feel with a fresh twist.
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