Iris and the Giant

Lore & Background

The game was inspired by Louis Rigaud's experiences creating interactive papercraft books for children. Post-launch updates were planned to add new features such as gamepad support and UI improvements based on player feedback. The plot begins with the main character being dropped off at a swimming lesson, struggling to jump into a pool while children laugh. This scene serves as a metaphor for the game's exploration of depression and anxiety. Iris later finds herself on the river Styx, which in this game represents the land distinguishing the real from the imaginary, rather than following Greek mythology's connection between the living and the underworld. Iris fights her way up a structure where each floor represents her inner demons.

Reader's Guide

Iris and the Giant twists the roguelike card game genre by linking each type of attack card to a specific enemy demon; defeating that demon with a steal card allows the player to acquire more of that card. For example, stealing from a skeleton with a shield yields a shield card. Powerful cards not available from standard chests can be gained from defeating certain boss monsters, such as defeating a Giant Cat Archer with a steal card to obtain a Feline Bow that prevents attacks from cat-headed demons. The game begins with a limited number of cards representing attacks and defenses used on a grid. Weapons include an axe that attacks all enemies in the front row and swords that can be used sequentially if the player has more than one in their deck. Upon death, the game restarts but rewards the player with new cards and abilities. There are 51 cards to earn and around 45 enemy types, some of which can steal cards or grant benefits like more time with a shield or the ability to use more arrows in a single turn. Magic and elemental effects such as fire and lightning are also available. The game received little attention from critics at release, though one reviewer compared it favorably to Meteorfall: Journeys, noting a similar appeal for players who had not previously enjoyed deck-building games like Slay the Spire or Darkest Dungeon.

Did You Know?

• The game was inspired by the developer's work on interactive papercraft books for children.
• Defeating a Giant Cat Archer with a steal card grants the Feline Bow, which prevents attacks from cat-headed demons.
• The river Styx in the game represents the land distinguishing the real from the imaginary, not the Greek mythological underworld connection.