When comparing Cardinal Quest 2 vs Wayward Souls, the Slant community recommends Cardinal Quest 2 for most people. In the question“What are the best roguelikes on Android?” Cardinal Quest 2 is ranked 6th while Wayward Souls is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Cardinal Quest 2 is:
Often you will see paid character classes or currency in mobile games. Luckily in Cardinal Quest 2, the currency is earned by successful or failed runs, and even the paid character class can be earned through a boss fight mechanic, making it something to work towards. This way everything in the game can be earned just by playing, and not spending money. The purchasable content is there for those that would just like to unlock things faster.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Nothing is locked behind a paywall, you are free to play as you like without worry of being coerced into spending money
Often you will see paid character classes or currency in mobile games. Luckily in Cardinal Quest 2, the currency is earned by successful or failed runs, and even the paid character class can be earned through a boss fight mechanic, making it something to work towards. This way everything in the game can be earned just by playing, and not spending money. The purchasable content is there for those that would just like to unlock things faster.
Pro A good choice of character classes allows for a mix of different strategies in the gameplay
There are six character classes that are available to use; paladin, ranger, pugilist, fighter, wizard, and thief. Though not all are available from the start and need to be unlocked through play or in-app-purchase (all can be unlocked through play). Having a good selection of classes to play with allows for different experiences to be had, which extends the playtime.
Pro Very streamlined item management that does not get in the way, allowing the player to concentrate on the gameplay, over organization
Cardinal Quest 2 is more streamlined over its first title. When picking up equipment, the user is given the option to sell if it is worse than what is already being used or worn. Making equipment management a lot easier.
Pro Lots of Google Play achievements to earn, which makes for some interesting tasks on top of the regular gameplay
There are a bunch of achievements that can be earned in the game, thus giving the player something to strive towards. This way the player can feel a sense of progression as well, since roguelikes tend to be light in this area.
Pro The included immersive mode allows for full screen gaming on devices that use a software navigation bar
Cardinal Quest 2 features full screen immersive mode on any Android device with OS 4.4+, which is great for those who have devices that use stock Android, as they can game full screen, hiding the software navigation bar.
Pro Deep gameplay that allows for plenty of customization choices
Depending on the character class used and items equipped, different strategies can be used and experimented with. Making for a deep game that allows for plenty of different setups.
Pro No in-app-purchases or paid updates, the game has a singular price for all of the content
Wayward Souls developer RocketCat Games has promised that there will never be any in-app-purchases added to the game nor will there ever be any paid updates.
Pro Choice of character class gives the chance for different strategy and playstyles as well as something to strive for by unlocking them
There is a total of six characters that can be used in game with three to start and three unlocked through playing and beating the games dungeons. Each one feels unique and will have a different playstyle that will have to be used, making for varied gameplay.
Pro Good controller support makes for an easier way to control the game
Wayward Souls has support for MOGA controllers as well as HID bluetooth controller support.
Pro Fantastic touch screen controls that are responsive and easy to use
The touch screen controls in Wayward Souls handle beautifully, something many mobile games struggle with but work quite well here making for an enjoyable control experience.
Pro Easily played offline thanks to the game not needing an internet connection once installed
Wayward Souls allows for complete offline play, making for a good game to be played when there is no internet connection.
Cons
Con Not a full traditional roguelike
By excluding a hunger mechanism commonly found in the roguelike genre there is no penalty for skipping turns, which can make certain areas and aspects of the game easier than other roguelike games.
Con Can feel repetitive
Even though it is by design, having to repeat many of the same areas (despite being randomly generated) feels repetitive after a while, which can lead to boredom while playing. So it is up to the player how soon they will tire.
