Into The Grid Review: A Cyberpunk Roguelike Deckbuilder That Redefines Strategy

Into The Grid by Flatline Studios is a confident and ambitious entry into the roguelike deckbuilder genre

One that feels refreshingly different from its peers. Set in a neon-drenched cyberpunk future in the year 2112, the game drops players directly into the Grid, a hostile digital landscape ruled by ruthless corporations and guarded by lethal security programs. From the first run, it’s clear this isn’t just another card battler with cyberpunk dressing—it’s a carefully layered strategy experience that rewards foresight, adaptability, and mastery.

At its core, Into The Grid blends roguelike deckbuilding with the deliberate pacing and decision-making of a tabletop boardgame. Battles unfold from a first-person perspective, creating a sense of immersion rarely seen in the genre. Every encounter feels deliberate, with enemies that demand careful planning rather than brute-force solutions. The presentation helps sell this intensity, thanks to striking card art, detailed enemy designs, and an original cyberpunk soundtrack that reinforces the tension of every hack.

One of the game’s standout mechanics is its dual-resource system. Every card not only performs its primary effect but also generates Virtual Memory (VIM), a resource used to activate powerful Commands. This system smartly eliminates the frustration of “dead draws” that plague many deckbuilders. Even a weak hand has value, and skilled players can consistently turn suboptimal situations into tactical opportunities. It’s a design choice that keeps momentum high and decision-making engaging throughout long runs.

Commands are where Into The Grid truly shines strategically. These unlockable skills are chosen before battle and can dramatically shift the flow of combat when deployed at the right moment. When synchronized with a well-tuned deck, Commands enable devastating combos that feel earned rather than overpowered. Success hinges on understanding how your deck, resources, and Commands interact, giving the game a satisfying learning curve that rewards experimentation.

Outside of combat, tactical map navigation adds a second strategic layer that elevates the experience. The Grid itself feels like a living maze, filled with branching paths, risks, and rewards. Every movement carries weight: choosing whether to engage an enemy, delay a reward, or retreat from danger can define the outcome of an entire run. This constant tension between short-term survival and long-term optimization is one of the game’s strongest elements.

Progression is equally compelling. The Repo serves as your arsenal, allowing you to acquire new Program Cards, upgrade your strongest tools, and prune weaker options to refine your strategy. Meanwhile, the hacking Console acts as a customizable extension of your character, with unlockable perks and hardware mods that significantly alter playstyles. This layered progression system encourages replayability, as each run feels like a new experiment rather than a repetition.

Narratively, Into The Grid weaves its story through character-specific arcs and environmental storytelling. With multiple distinct hackers, each offering unique mechanics and perspectives, the game steadily unveils its cyberpunk world without interrupting gameplay flow. Even in Early Access, the foundation is strong, hinting at deeper campaigns and richer stories at full release.

Overall, Into The Grid is an impressive and thoughtfully designed cyberpunk roguelike deckbuilder that stands out through innovation rather than imitation. Its blend of strategic card combat, meaningful exploration, and player-driven decision-making makes it a compelling experience for fans of the genre. Flatline Studios has created a game that not only challenges your tactical skills but also respects your intelligence—and that’s what makes Into The Grid truly memorable.