Brimming with classic horror tropes and welcoming charm, THE SPIRIT LIFT by Prettysmart Games is a roguelike card game that casts players as a group of teenagers exploring a monster-infested hotel. However, unlike classic horror films where running or fighting is preferred, the keyword for THE SPIRIT LIFT is strategy. Keep this in mind as you make your way up the hotel’s numerous levels and explore the mysteries behind each room.

Within the Vexington

It’s time to celebrate as the senior class of Lucid Falls High heads to the Vexington Hotel for their graduation. Eventually, a group of teens breaks away from the party, explore the hotel, and discover The Spirit Lift, an elevator leading to the haunted levels above. Beyond this basic premise, there’s little in terms of story or dialogue beyond the occasional offhand comment from party members. I honestly wished there was more inter party dialogue. Each character is a spin on a classic movie trope, so having more chances for them to interact would have been enjoyable. It feels like the story is secondary, as there’s no compelling reason for the teens to explore beyond the desire to reach higher floors in the hotel.

Be Smart, not Scared

Where THE SPIRIT LIFT really shines is its gameplay and presentation. Each card is themed as everyday items that your chosen team members would find and/or carry. Using cards costs energy, which you have a finite amount of per turn. Since most cards do more than just inflict damage, you’ll be carefully planning which boosts or affects you want to play to minimize harm taken and maximize your own attacks. Winning fights grants you XP, and with each level you can give a permanent boost to one of your cards.

Throughout your exploration of the Vexington Hotel, you’ll encounter more than just random fights. There are rooms that house events that give you a simple choice between gaining cards, coin, or ending up right back in a brawl. Depending on the characters you choose for your team, you could affect the results, giving you bigger rewards. There’s also the wolfen shopkeeper, Dorian, who can sell you cards, effect refills, or permanent boosts.

When it comes to your trio of teens, THE SPIRIT LIFT’s demo allows you to pick from the school’s tennis star Sako, the strong pretty-boy Tobais, the goth artist Briar, the cinema aficionado Quintin, and the charismatic rich girl Maria. Each character has different buffs and signature cards, making team selection very important. The biggest tip I can provide is to end fights quickly. The longer you take, the more chances you have to take damage, and healing is a rarity in the game.

Hauntingly good music

THE SPIRIT LIFT’s demo boasts a diverse soundtrack that is a delight to listen to. Rather than recycling the same song for each floor, prettysmart games keeps the music fresh. Each level has a unique track, which well appreciated. Also, the energetic combat theme pumps you up! It makes you feel like an action star as you battle zombies, predator-like mushroom monsters, and possessed dolls.

Will Return to the Hotel

Card games are hard to create. You must distinguish yourself from the crowd and provide an interesting set of rules that make the gameplay fun. THE SPIRIT LIFT checks all the boxes with its focus on a 90s aesthetic and a card system that’s easy to play yet hard to master. The card fights are not just about reducing a number to zero. You are given a visual experience where it’s just not 2 opposing decks facing each other.

My short time in the Vexington was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for the game’s full release. If you haven’t done so already, download THE SPIRIT LIFT demo and prepare to be captivated by its unique blend of deckbuilding, roguelike elements, and haunting atmosphere.

THE SPIRIT LIFT demo is available on PC through Steam.