MageTrain: Roguelike Pixel Art Game Hits Android

Tidepool Games has just launched a fast-paced pixel-art "snakelike" roguelike for Android, titled MageTrain. If you've enjoyed Nimble Quest before, you'll definitely notice some similarities — in fact, the new game draws significant inspiration from it.

What Is MageTrain All About?

MageTrain blends together elements of Snake, auto-battlers, and roguelikes. You guide a line of heroes that trail behind your lead character—much like the classic snake mechanic. Each hero auto-attacks as you swiftly navigate through various battle arenas.

Your main role involves carefully positioning your party and avoiding collisions with enemies or obstacles. Since each hero’s abilities vary based on their position in the line, you also decide who leads the formation and who supports from the back.

At launch, MageTrain offers nine unique heroes—one of them even hurls birds as an attack. Their skills differ depending on whether they're at the front of the train or somewhere in the middle.

You'll journey through eight distinct dungeons, face off against 28 enemy types, and choose from 30 abilities to strengthen your squad. Gold and power-ups are scattered along the path for you to collect.

Thanks to its roguelike design, every playthrough feels unique. You navigate branching routes, select upgrades, and simply aim to survive as long as you can.

This structural style is reminiscent of games like Slay the Spire or FTL. There are no static levels, and you can’t save your progress mid-run. One wrong move—like crashing into a hazard or being overrun by foes—means it’s back to the beginning.

With that said, take a look at MageTrain in action below.

Fast-Paced & Engaging

The real appeal lies in how much you improve with every attempt, even after a loss. You gradually learn when to adopt a cautious approach, when to push forward aggressively, and when to simply focus on surviving another half-minute.

MageTrain is now available for free on Android. Give it a try by downloading it from the Google Play Store.

Before you go, check out our next article covering another new release: MLB Baseball Strategy Game OOTP Baseball 26 Go!