Feature: Diamond Quest-style Roguelite Mode #47

New Issue

cal · 2026-03-04T13:46:17Z

cal commented

2026-03-04 13:46:17 +00:00

Summary

A run-based mode where players move through a bracket of AI opponents with escalating difficulty. Between games, they pick perks or face penalties. Lose and forfeit the run's rewards. Win the final boss and cash out big. Uses temporary boosted roster — no permanent card loss.

Inspiration

MLB The Show 25's "Diamond Quest" — a full roguelite mode built into a card game with dice rolling, perk selection, and risk/reward escalation.

Core Mechanics

Player starts a "run" with their current roster
Progress through 5-7 stages of increasing difficulty
Between stages: choose from random perks (+10 Power vs RHP, +5 Contact, etc.) or face random penalties
Optional risk nodes: gamble for better rewards or take a safe path
Final stage is a "boss" game against a stacked AI team
Win the full run → big reward (premium packs, rare cards, currency)
Lose at any stage → forfeit accumulated rewards (or partial reward for distance traveled)
Daily/weekly run limits to prevent grinding

Why This Works

Adds replayability through randomized perks and opponents
Risk/reward tension creates excitement ("do I cash out or push further?")
Different from gauntlet — temporary perks make every run feel unique
Low barrier to entry (uses existing roster, no card risk)
Genre hybridization trend — roguelite mechanics in a card game

Technical Notes

Extends existing game engine and AI manager
Needs: run_state tracking, perk system, stage progression
Could reuse gauntlet infrastructure with modifications
Perk system needs temporary stat modification layer on top of existing card ratings

## Summary A run-based mode where players move through a bracket of AI opponents with escalating difficulty. Between games, they pick perks or face penalties. Lose and forfeit the run's rewards. Win the final boss and cash out big. Uses temporary boosted roster — no permanent card loss. ## Inspiration MLB The Show 25's "Diamond Quest" — a full roguelite mode built into a card game with dice rolling, perk selection, and risk/reward escalation. ## Core Mechanics - Player starts a "run" with their current roster - Progress through 5-7 stages of increasing difficulty - Between stages: choose from random perks (+10 Power vs RHP, +5 Contact, etc.) or face random penalties - Optional risk nodes: gamble for better rewards or take a safe path - Final stage is a "boss" game against a stacked AI team - Win the full run → big reward (premium packs, rare cards, currency) - Lose at any stage → forfeit accumulated rewards (or partial reward for distance traveled) - Daily/weekly run limits to prevent grinding ## Why This Works - Adds replayability through randomized perks and opponents - Risk/reward tension creates excitement ("do I cash out or push further?") - Different from gauntlet — temporary perks make every run feel unique - Low barrier to entry (uses existing roster, no card risk) - Genre hybridization trend — roguelite mechanics in a card game ## Technical Notes - Extends existing game engine and AI manager - Needs: run_state tracking, perk system, stage progression - Could reuse gauntlet infrastructure with modifications - Perk system needs temporary stat modification layer on top of existing card ratings

cal added the

feature

label 2026-03-04 13:46:43 +00:00

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