Chivalware: the roguelite that blends grid battles and match-3, a sourced analysis
Chivalware is an action roguelite with tile-matching mechanics, developed by Regal Pigeon Games and published by Dotemu (The Arcade Crew label) and Imperfect Games. It launched on 5 November 2026 on PC and Switch 2. This analysis gathers three scored reviews of the Switch 2 version and the prices checked on 11 November 2026. TricknFix has not played it.
Game trailer
The premise
You play a Disk Knight sent to slay a king driven mad by power. You equip up to three coloured weapon disks and charge them by matching tiles on a grid battlefield while dodging attacks in real time. The game offers 5 playable knights, over 80 weapons and more than 150 upgrades (official page).
What the reviews say
Console Creatures (9/10) calls it a brilliant, hard-to-put-down experience, with fresh grid battles, distinct knights and great build diversity. VGChartz (7.5/10) praises tactical battles, plenty of variety in weapons and perks, and huge replay value for a modest price. Nindie Spotlight (8.2/10) sees a style of play you likely haven't seen before, a winner for roguelike fans. TheSixthAxis (8/10, tested on PC) compares it to Mega Man Battle Network.
The drawbacks
Nindie Spotlight warns it is tougher than most of its competition, with bosses flush with health, scarce healing and streaky runs. VGChartz finds the graphics simple and the narrative disposable. Digital Chumps notes no noticeable permanent progression.
Prices
As of 11 November 2026, a launch offer brings the price down from €9.99 to €8.99 on Steam (until 19 November) and on the Switch 2 Nintendo eShop (until 14 November, 11:59 pm Paris time). The game includes French text.
Who is it for?
Fans of fast-paced roguelites and Mega Man Battle Network who enjoy experimenting with builds. Players who want permanent progression between runs may be frustrated.
What to know
Based on three scored reviews of the Switch 2 version, Chivalware is an inventive, highly replayable but demanding roguelite.
Strengths
- Original grid and match-3 combat (Console Creatures, Nindie Spotlight)
- Knights with very different play styles (Console Creatures)
- Wide variety of weapons and perks, high replay value (VGChartz)
- Strong drum and bass soundtrack (VGChartz)
Things to consider
- Tougher than average, health-heavy bosses (Nindie Spotlight)
- Simple graphics and disposable story (VGChartz)
- No noticeable permanent progression (Digital Chumps)
Sources and credits
- Page officielle de Chivalware (Dotemu) ↗
- Bande-annonce de lancement (chaîne Dotemu) ↗
- Steam FR : 8,99 € au lieu de 9,99 € jusqu’au 19/11/2026, relevé le 11/11/2026 ↗
- Nintendo eShop FR (Switch 2) : 8,99 € au lieu de 9,99 € jusqu’au 14/11/2026, relevé le 11/11/2026 ↗
- Test Console Creatures, Switch 2, 05/11/2026 (9/10) ↗
- Test Nindie Spotlight, Switch 2, 06/11/2026 (8,2/10) ↗
- Test VGChartz, Switch 2, 07/11/2026 (7,5/10) ↗
- Test TheSixthAxis, PC, 05/11/2026 (cité, non compté) ↗
- Test Digital Chumps, Switch 2 (cité, non compté) ↗
- Cover image source ↗
Game gallery
4 images
Game details
- Developer
- Regal Pigeon Games
- Publisher
- Dotemu (The Arcade Crew) / Imperfect Games
- Release
- Nov 5, 2026
- Genres
- Action · Puzzle · Indie
- Game website
- Official website ↗
Where to buy
Compare by platform, region and format. Prices were observed on the dates shown.
| Retailer | Edition and platform | Price | Checked | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SteamFranceDigital game | Édition standard (PC), offre de lancementPC | 8.99 EUR Check shipping | Nov 11, 2026 Ends Nov 19, 2026 Source ↗ | View offer ↗ |
| Nintendo eShopFranceDigital game | Édition standard (Switch 2), offre de lancementNintendo Switch 2 | 8.99 EUR Check shipping | Nov 11, 2026 Ends Nov 14, 2026 Source ↗ | View offer ↗ |
Player reviews
Member ratings out of 20
No player reviews yet.
