Deck-Building Card Battler 'Monster Train First Class' Is Out Now On Switch

looks good! how is the online multiplayer?

Been hooked on this for the last week or so on Gamepass for PC and will definitely be getting on Switch for handheld sessions and DLC.

It’s up there with Slay the Spire. Some people will like one or the other better — that is to say it’s definitely in that top-tier echelon and I can’t recommend enough for fans of the genre. Monster Train might be the more accessible of the two — even if it throws more mechanics at you it’s a lot easier to stumble on a “broken” strategy where StS requires a bit more planning and has more ways to laugh at those plans.

@BenAV It’s actually cheaper on Switch than getting the game and DLC separate on other platforms (save Gamepass).

Absolutely loving this game. Sad, but not surprised, to see it not in either of the top charts on the eShop. It’s genuinely fantastic and if you love Slay The Spire you owe it yourself and your Switch to download this game.

This game is outstanding, and also has an incredible soundtrack.

Brilliant little game, esp. you enjoyed the likes of Slay the Spire obviously. I'm okay with my Steam version though!

@BenAV Nah for sure! I figured it’s worth mentioning it is a notable exception to the “Switch tax”.
I’m looking forward to Spelunky as well

It has a good reputation on the PC circuit. I have it on my wishlist ready....

This game is awesome, I play on pc and was waiting for a portable way to play, now we have it.

On performance side, it plays far from 60 fps. For those who came from the pc version it is easily noticeable, but I bet that who never played before will not even fell.

@abdias That’s a bummer, but as long as it plays fine (and can speed up battle anims) and you don’t have a Steam Deck preorder in this is probably still the best version to get.

Been hyped for this since its announcement 2 weeks back (given Slay the Spire's my favourite game on Switch).
Played my first 2 runs last night; looks and plays great (no performance issues) thus far. Soundtrack's pretty good too.

@Spiders Given Monster Train's mechanic of boosting units/spells with modifiers as one sees fit, I wouldn't be surprised if I come across a broken run sooner than later.
Slay the Spire on the other hand; the number of times I've had to face Time Eater with a shiv deck is unreal >.<

Is there a demo for Monster Train available on any platform?

I love this game so much. $30USD does seem high but I'll still likely double dip and get this on switch as well.
I like slay the spire as well, but I would recommend this one over slay the spire even. Not saying fans of the genre will like it more, they're pretty close in my mind. But people who don't have experience with the genre will likely find this a better starting point as well as more fun and accessible. Slay the spire can be brutal at first

I used to really like Monster Train but grew tired of the DLC after awhile. It's really awesome being able to combine cards into more powerful variants. It's not cool that the AI upgrades its units, to often absurd levels, every time you do so. I still enjoy the game a lot and recommend it. I just hope they actually balance it some more.

@Spiders you can speed up the battle as normal on switch version, it is a really faithful port. Cross-save sadly is not a thing but aside of that, both versions are completely integrated.

About the steam deck, the pc version will need an update to work as good as the switch version without a mice. On switch version there are visual aids on every screen for what button does what. Those are missing on PC for the most part.

I absolutely love this game. It’s a must play for anyone who likes Slay the Spire.

This game is so great! Put an embarrassing amount of time into both Slay the Spire and Monster Train, and in my opinion, Monster Train is the better game.

@FantasiaWHT
It is on Game Pass on Xbox if you have access to that.

I’ve read all over the place that this might be better than StS so I’m thrilled it’s on switch now. Downloading and going to give it a lot of time after work tomorrow.

@commentlife They’re definitely both at that level, which is just great to have two amazing titles in the genre. I think it’s going to come down to personal preference.

Right now I’m leaning towards Slay the Spire. I think it’s a combination of carrying consequences through your climb as opposed to MT which wipes the slate clean between battles, and I think planning is more important to a good StS run — I find it easy to get a game-breaking strategy handed to me during a run. There’s also much less poison pills and difficult choices than StS which I think is a fun but many people will disagree. I also have 10x more experience with it, so there’s that bias.

Monster Train has better pacing, is probably more fun more immediately, and has a lot more possibility for expression with what you can do with a deck.

I’m looking forward to the higher difficulties in MT and see if I change my mind, but either way how great to be having a “GOAT” head-discussion about two great games!

@Deady Definitely as good, but different enough where you may prefer on over the other for different reasons. Hope you enjoy!

@Spiders I wake up at 4:20 AM for work, but the game is easily keeping me up past midnight every night. I cannot put it down, so glad I got it. I’ll just have to load a bunch more carbs into my breakfast until I finally stop playing this.

@Deady That’s awesome! I can’t stop playing either. I wish it had a game clock so I can see how much time it’s eaten so far.

This game is soooooooooooooooooo good.
It just ate my entire day.
Please review it, NintendoLife!