Item: Iris and the Giant
Rating: 91
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

91/100

Iris and the Giant is a poetic and surprisingly deep tactical roguelike. It blends deck-building with environmental puzzles to tell a story about a girl confronting her inner demons. Each turn feels like a high-stakes chess match; you have to manage your hand of cards (which act as your attacks and defenses) while navigating a board filled with enemies that have very specific movement patterns.

The art style is minimalist and melancholic, using a soft palette that contrasts with the intensity of the gameplay. The 'memory' system, which unlocks as you progress, provides a touching narrative layer that explains Iris's struggle. It’s a game that respects your intelligence, offering a challenge that is as much about emotional resonance as it is about strategic planning. It's a must-play for fans of Slay the Spire who are looking for something with a stronger narrative heart.

Reviewed on: Thu Feb 26 2026

Dinsun Review

Dinsun here. I’ve seen enough deckbuilders to last a lifetime, and frankly, most of them are Slay the Spire clones with a fresh coat of paint. Iris and the Giant at least tries to do something different with its melancholic tone and lane-based combat. The art is minimalist but effective, creating an atmosphere that feels heavy without being overbearing. It’s not trying to be a power fantasy; it’s a struggle, and the mechanics reflect that well.

That said, the depth isn't quite where I’d want it for a long-term investment. While the metaphorical enemies are clever, the strategic ceiling is lower than the giants of the genre. It's a tight, focused experience that respects your time, but don't expect it to replace your main rotation. It's a respectable piece of software that prioritizes artistic intent over endless replayability.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Unique lane-based tactical combat
Strong, cohesive art direction
Emotional narrative weight

Limited variety in late-game builds
Difficulty spikes can feel arbitrary
Short overall length

Technical Report

Performance: Very smooth performance on iOS; fast loading times and stable frame rates.

Accessibility:

Subtitles
Simple Touch Controls

Audience Fit

Buy if: You appreciate indie games with a strong message and a distinct visual style.

Skip if: You are looking for a deep, infinitely replayable competitive deckbuilder.

Similar Games:

Slay the Spire
Night of the Full Moon
Meteorfall: Krumit's Tale

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative critic
Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
Playtime: 10 hours
Status: Finished Story

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1489491274

$5.99 4+★3.7 10 reviews

Author : Plug In Digital

Pubish Date : Thu Oct 29 2020

Last Update Date : Thu Jan 27 2022

Support Languages : English, French, German, Japanese, Simplified Chinese

Genres :

Version 2.2Thu Jan 27 2022

- localization fix
Iris and the Giant is a fusion of a collectible card game with RPG and roguelike elements. You play as Iris, who must brave her fears in her imaginary world. Behind the game's unique minimalist art style players will explore a touching story of a young woman facing her inner demons and soothing the raging giant inside.
Build your deck: With every encounter, unlock new cards and earn points to boost Iris. Each attempt makes you stronger, and lets you go further!
Features :
Tactical battles: Face monsters in fights mixing CCG mechanics with RPG and roguelike elements
Deckbuilding: build a deck as you progress. Choose the best options for your long-term strategy out of a wide variety of cards
Deep customisation: The game is packed with 51 cards and choices in how to specialise your character, your deck, and your playstyle
A touching adventure: A lot of care was put into adding a compelling and emotive story to a genre traditionally light on narrative
A progressive difficulty curve: Makes the game accessible to all, but offers a challenge to even the most hardened of players
A poetic, melancholic story
Throughout the game, you can uncover fragments of Iris' memories, giving you new insight into the reasons behind your adventure in her mind.
Requires iOS 13.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Iris and the Giant is a fusion of a collectible card game with RPG and roguelike elements. You play as Iris, who must brave her fears in her imaginary world. Behind the game's unique minimalist art style players will explore a touching story of a young woman facing her inner demons and soothing the raging giant inside.
Build your deck: With every encounter, unlock new cards and earn points to boost Iris. Each attempt makes you stronger, and lets you go further!
Features :
Tactical battles: Face monsters in fights mixing CCG mechanics with RPG and roguelike elements
Deckbuilding: build a deck as you progress. Choose the best options for your long-term strategy out of a wide variety of cards
Deep customisation: The game is packed with 51 cards and choices in how to specialise your character, your deck, and your playstyle
A touching adventure: A lot of care was put into adding a compelling and emotive story to a genre traditionally light on narrative
A progressive difficulty curve: Makes the game accessible to all, but offers a challenge to even the most hardened of players
A poetic, melancholic story
Throughout the game, you can uncover fragments of Iris' memories, giving you new insight into the reasons behind your adventure in her mind.

Ratings & Reviews

3.7 out of 5 with 10 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Iris and the Giant is a unique fusion of card games, RPGs, and roguelikes. Play as Iris, a young girl exploring a dreamlike world filled with her own anxieties. Construct your deck, discover powerful synergies, and defeat imaginative monsters in turn-based tactical combat. With its minimalist art style and emotional narrative, it's a journey of self-discovery through strategy.

Features

Unique tactical deck-building combat

Emotional, poetic narrative about mental health

Stunning minimalist art and sound design

Deep progression with 51 unlockable cards

Tips

Strategic Positioning

Your distance from enemies matters. Use 'Longbow' cards to pick off giants in the back row before they can use their area-of-effect attacks. Save your 'Shield' cards for the turn *before* you are surrounded.

Promotion Videos

Iris and the Giant - OFFICIAL TRAILER - YouTube

News on this game

Games Like Slay the Spire on iOS

Slay the Spire is one of the best deckbuilders on iOS. Fans of this game might be looking for more titles like it.

Game Rant - Thu Aug 28 2025

Iris and the Giant (Switch) Review

Iris and the Giant tells a sorrowful tale of a young girl growing up and the pain and trauma she experienced. In fits and starts,...

Nintendo World Report - Mon Jun 28 2021

Prime Gaming Reveals New Batch of Free Games

The next batch of free Amazon Prime Gaming titles with a subscription are revealed, but some of them will not be available for long.

Game Rant - Sun Nov 28 2021

Gameplays

Managing Your Deck

Your deck is finite! If you run out of cards, the game is over. Prioritize picking up 'Recycle' or 'Draw' cards to keep your hand full during longer boss encounters.