Riot Games has a knack for using the League of Legends client in innovative ways, hosting a variety of projects like new game modes, summer events, and even visual novels. These endeavors offer fans a fresh angle to engage with the League of Legends universe beyond the traditional gameplay. Take, for instance, the release of the Arcane series, which was paired with a quirky point-and-click adventure within the League client, humorously titled Jinx Fixes Everything. Then, on March 19, Riot unveiled a new game called Demon’s Hand within the client—a game unlike anything they’ve produced before. It immediately brings to mind the fascinating, twisty mechanics of the card game Inscryption.
Demon’s Hand immerses players in the deep lore of League of Legends, setting the stage on the ancient Noxian plains. Across the card table sits a shadowy, bandaged figure, weaving tales of lore involving the conquest of Sahn-Uzal, dark dealings with the demon Atakhan, and the enigma of my own mysterious character. I have no idea who I am at the outset, but defeating the first boss reveals my transformation: my hands sprout menacing claws, hinting at a concealed might within.
This eerie and mesmerizing storytelling perfectly complements the card game’s mechanics, which seem to blend elements of poker with a unique twist. Having recently delved deeply into games like Balatro, I found myself adapting to Demon’s Hand with ease. Visually, the game is a treat. I navigate the game using painted, wooden slabs that depict Noxian warriors or beasts, while the sound of deep horns and rhythmic drums enhance the suspense with each move. My enigmatic guide, shrouded in mystery, faces the glowing sun, which ominously transforms in sync with my own metamorphosis. Though the game is quite brief—my initial run wrapped up in about 20 minutes—it’s undeniably engaging, prompting me to consider at least a couple more playthroughs.
Finding a narrative-driven experience akin to Inscryption within my League of Legends client was an unexpected delight, but I’m all for it. Both League and Demon’s Hand are free-to-play, so if you have a penchant for card game roguelikes or are a fan of League’s intricate lore, this is one experiment you shouldn’t pass up.
