The indie game world was sent into a frenzy this week at Gamescom. Poncle, the wildly creative studio that took the industry by storm with the genre-defining Vampire Survivors, is back. But they’re not here with a direct sequel. In a move that showcases their inventive spirit, they have announced a brand new, completely different game: Kill The Brickman, a chaotic deckbuilding roguelike that already has fans buzzing.
For a studio that could easily rest on its laurels and print money with Vampire Survivors DLC, this pivot is both bold and thrilling. It proves that Poncle is not a one-hit wonder but a studio dedicated to fun, innovative, and deeply engaging game mechanics, no matter the genre.
What Exactly Is Kill The Brickman?
If Vampire Survivors was a game about automated weaponry and surviving hordes, Kill The Brickman flips the script entirely. Poncle describes it as a "deckbuilding roguelike" where your primary goal is to, well, kill a giant brick man.
The core gameplay involves using a deck of cards to summon creatures, cast spells, and deploy structures to destroy the titular Brickman before he destroys you. It captures that same "chaotic screen full of madness" feeling that made Vampire Survivors so addictive, but the method of engagement is completely different. Instead of moving a character directly, you’re a strategist playing cards from your hand, managing your energy, and watching the beautiful pandemonium unfold.
The official announcement trailer, debuted at Gamescom, gives a perfect taste of the game's unique vibe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NHXV2qa9jE&ab_channel=poncle-VampireSurvivors
The trailer showcases the charmingly minimalist art style Poncle is known for, now applied to a new set of characters and enemies. We see a variety of cards in action, from summoning humble militiamen to casting massive, screen-clearing spells. The promise of synergizing your deck for overpowered combinations is front and center—a hallmark of a great roguelike.
Carving a New Path: Why a Deckbuilder?
Many might have expected Vampire Survivors 2. So, why a deckbuilder? The answer seems to lie in Poncle's core design philosophy: creating accessible, deep, and infinitely replayable games.
Deckbuilders like Slay the Spire and Monster Train have a dedicated fanbase that craves strategic depth and run variety. Poncle appears to be applying their signature "easy to learn, impossible to put down" magic to this beloved genre. By combining the strategic card play of a deckbuilder with the real-time, chaotic action of their previous hit, they might just be creating an entirely new sub-genre hybrid.
Early glimpses suggest they are keeping the progression satisfyingly overpowered. Finding new cards, unlocking permanent upgrades, and discovering broken combos that melt the Brickman's health bar will likely be the addictive core loop.
Answering the Community's Questions
Naturally, the announcement came with a flood of questions from an eager community. Poncle, known for its fantastic communication, was ready. They simultaneously launched a comprehensive FAQ page that addresses everything fans want to know.
The FAQ confirms key details: the game is coming to PC and consoles, it will have local co-op for up to four players (a huge and exciting feature), and it will carry the same consumer-friendly ethos as Vampire Survivors, meaning a low upfront price and free future updates.
For the full breakdown of development plans, platforms, and Poncle's vision, the official FAQ is an essential read: Kill The Brickman Official FAQ
The Poncle Legacy: Trust in a Name
The most significant advantage Kill The Brickman has is the studio behind it. Poncle earned an immense amount of goodwill with Vampire Survivors. They delivered a perfectly polished gem of a game, supported it with generous free content, and priced it incredibly fairly. Gamers trust that when Poncle releases something, it will be fun, content-rich, and worth their time.
This announcement solidifies Poncle not just as the "Vampire Survivors studio," but as a premier indie developer capable of crafting incredible experiences across genres. They are following their creative instincts, and if their track record is anything to go by, players are in for another unforgettable treat.
Kill The Brickman does not yet have a firm release date, but it's already one of the most intriguing reveals to come out of Gamescom. It’s a testament to the power of a great indie studio to surprise and delight us, proving that the next big thing might just be a deck of cards away.
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