10 Worst Video Games Of 2023 (So Far)

In Nadir: A Grimdark Deck Builder, our heroine (who is Joan of Arc for some reason) descends through the bowels of Hell, where she battles demons in the ancient art of card-fighting.

Players are rewarded with more complex cards upon each victory, which must be used tactically to defeat more powerful enemies. Because Nadir focuses on stacked status effects (like Bleeding and Counter) players need to rely on strategy more than brute force, making it more satisfying when they triumph.

If any of these details peak your interest, be forewarned. Despite starting with an overly long tutorial, little is explained when it comes to the card mechanics, upgrading the deck, or avoiding penalties. This is all the more irritating, since Nadir is unbearably difficult. (I mean, it's in Hell, but these demons still should fight fair.)

The animations for each move are slow, turning the simplest deck battles into a slog. Although the technical errors are minor, it makes Nadir feel like a work-in-progress, rather than a completed game.

It may have potential but Nadir is, as its very title suggests, is fittingly woeful.