# Imbroglio

> Deck-building tactical roguelike labyrinth survival game with heroes and magical weapons. (iPhone/iPad app by Michael Brough.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imbroglio/id969264934 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Michael Brough](https://appshunter.io/developer/490257881)
- Category: Games, Strategy
- Price: $3.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 109 App Store ratings · 107 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 59 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-05-18
- Data updated: 2026-09-11
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imbroglio/id969264934/reviews.md

## What is Imbroglio?

"Every individual element of Imbroglio’s design coalesces into an elegantly complex whole. Nothing is out of place. It’s the kind of game that I just want to think and talk about all the time." - Pocket Tactics review

Finalist for Excellence in Design, Independent Games Festival 2017.
Named best game of 2016 by iPhone GameCast.
Named one of the ten best British games of 2016 by Kotaku UK.
Honorable Mention for Best Mobile Game in Game Developers Choice awards 2017.

Survive in an ever-shifting labyrinth filled with vicious monsters and valuable gemstones. Choose your hero, arm them with magical weapons, spend runes to invoke special powers, and fight for a high score in this deck-building tactics game where the deck is the dungeon.

At least four enigmatic enemies to battle.
Eight different heroes to play as.
Thirty-two weapons to level up.

## Key features

- Ever-shifting labyrinth
- Deck-building tactics
- Magical weapons
- Invoke special powers
- Multiple heroes
- Enigmatic enemies

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $3.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Imbroglio: Ossuary | $1.99 | one-time |
| Imbroglio: Phlogiston | $2.99 | one-time |
| Imbroglio: Mizzenmast | $7.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Imbroglio?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎮 Exceptional strategic depth and complexity
- 🧩 Brilliant puzzle-roguelike hybrid gameplay
- 🎯 Elegant minimalist design with tight mechanics
- 🔄 Extremely high replayability and longevity
- 💰 No pay-to-win mechanics or predatory IAPs
- 📱 Perfect for mobile one-handed play
- 🎨 Charming aesthetic and sound design
- 🏆 Incredible balance across multiple characters and weapons
- 🧠 Rewarding learning curve with satisfying mastery
- 🎪 Unique deck-building element with customizable boards
- ⏱️ Works great for short or long gaming sessions
- 🔧 Responsive developer with regular updates

**Cons**

- 📖 Steep learning curve with confusing initial mechanics
- 📝 Minimal tutorial and unclear instructions
- 🎯 Extremely difficult and punishing gameplay
- 🎲 Heavy reliance on RNG and randomness
- 📱 Tiny text that's hard to read
- 🔲 Very small 4x4 grid causes frustration
- 🎨 Simplistic character art quality
- 🔊 Limited sound design (repetitive guitar notes)
- 🎮 Overwhelming number of weapon options
- 🚫 Limited control options (forced shooting in certain positions)
- 🎪 Unbalanced difficulty spikes at higher levels

**Commonly reported bugs**

- iOS 11 compatibility crashes on startup
- Character unlock not persisting after reinstall unless high score beaten
- Game crashes when opening on certain iOS versions
- Harry build exploit allowing use of outlawed range options via copied boards
- Wall shift mechanics occasionally trapping player in worst positions

**Most requested features**

- Tutorial or better onboarding for new players
- Larger text size option for readability
- Random board generation option
- Ability to replay custom boards multiple times
- Pass/skip turn option for tactical flexibility
- iPhone X native screen support (resolved in updates)
- Music soundtrack addition
- Option to use earlier game rulesets with progress tracking
- Randomize board button in edit screen
- More detailed help documentation

## Recent user reviews (10 of 107)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imbroglio/id969264934/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Elegant, simple and deep

*2026-05-22, version 1.09c*

Just a beautiful, elegant, simple, deep game! Perfect controls for mobile. Thank you.

### 5/5 — The best game since nethack

*2025-10-07*

I understand it now….

### 5/5 — シンプルながら奥深い！

*2025-02-22*

とにかくやってみるべし！ハマるぜ！

### 5/5 — Masterpiece

*2024-05-05*

So much brilliance packed into a small space.

### 5/5 — It grows on you

*2023-07-19*

It’s entertaining, and you don’t realize the hours are going by.

I think there’s a bug, though, where if you unlock a character and then delete and re-install the game, it won’t unlock them again unless you beat your high score (saved in Game Center). Be wary of this; hopefully dev can fix it one of these days.

### 5/5 — これは凄い

*2023-05-04*

見た目が特殊過ぎるがこれは面白い。凄い。なんだこれは。

### 5/5 — パズル版slay the spireと呼びたい

*2023-04-29*

見た目からは想像つかないけど、とても面白い。時間が溶ける。1マスずつ移動して敵を攻撃して倒し、紫の星を取るゲーム。星を取るとランダムでステージが再構成され、敵を倒し星を取る繰り返し。マスごとに絵が描いてあるけど、これが武器を意味する。敵もプレイヤーも赤と青のポイントを持っており、どちらかがなくなったら死ぬ。武器も赤と青それぞれを攻撃するものに分かれている。敵を倒すとその武器に経験値が入り、4体(たぶん)倒すと武器がレベルアップする。レベル4まで上がる。武器によっては他の敵も同時に攻撃するとか体力回復とか自分の体力削ってスタンとかテレポートするとか呪いをかけるとか、ほんとに様々な効果がある。レベルアップで解放されるスキルもあるので、どの武器を育てるか考えながら倒すことになる。そして武器の配置は最初は決まってるけど自分で並べ替えられるようになる。カードゲームでデッキを組む感覚に近く、とても悩むことになる。無課金で8キャラ使用可能で、キャラごとに特有のスキル、使える武器の種類が変わるので、キャラごとにデッキを考える楽しみもある。ジャンルは違うけど、プレイ感はslay the spireに少し似たものも感じる。だいたい1プレイ30分かかるけど、感覚ではあっという間に終わって延々と続けて時間が溶ける。

### 5/5 — Classic gem

*2023-01-15*

If you like puzzle games, rogue-likes, or games like Threes, this is a must-have. It’s been on my devices for many years and is still one of my favorites. Takes a bit to grok, but once you do… it has incredible depth and replay value.

### 5/5 — Function over fashion.

*2021-11-09, version 1.09c*

Having played both Imbroglio and Cinco Paus, and reading a bit about the developer, I gather that he prioritizes gameplay over aesthetics. I’d say that shines through pretty well for me with both. I also happen to like the visual presentations. These both play like timeless classics. Recommended.

### 5/5 — Thank you for the updates!

*2021-03-07*

Very responsive and talented developer with skills all around.  I have probably spent 4 full months of my life playing Imbroglio and look forward to playing a lot more with a revamp of the basics and Mizzenmast.  Who needs a battery-roasting game world when you can explore a perilous 4x4 grid with brilliant gameplay?

Update: crying with laughter at using the Shopkeeper.  Using Lightkeeper’s Candle (gain runes at start of game) and Bonesnare (when runes are gained, hit the enemy here) killed me BEFORE I COULD MOVE 😂😂😂 I’m imagining Elephant Man bawling out I AM NOT AN ENEMY 😂 It is an awesome, brilliant and darkly amusing new world.  I thought Imbroglio would be tough to follow up on and if so, a little hard to reinvest in.  Oh my goodness do I love playing again.  Must buy. Just buy.  Likely the smartest and most original solo designer on the App Store.

## Frequently asked questions about Imbroglio

### What kind of game is Imbroglio?

Imbroglio is a deck-building tactics game where the dungeon itself is your deck. You navigate an ever-shifting labyrinth, battling monsters and collecting treasures.

### What are the key gameplay mechanics?

Players choose a hero, arm them with magical weapons, and use runes to invoke special powers. The core mechanic involves building your deck to overcome the challenges within the labyrinth.

### How does monetization work in Imbroglio?

The application is free to download and play, but it does include in-app purchases. These purchases likely offer ways to enhance gameplay or acquire items.

### What platforms is Imbroglio available on?

Based on the provided description, Imbroglio is available on mobile platforms, specifically mentioning iPhone GameCast and Kotaku UK, indicating iOS compatibility.

### What is the main goal of the game?

The primary goal is to survive in the dynamic labyrinth, defeat vicious monsters, and fight for a high score. Players aim to strategically use their deck, heroes, and powers to achieve this.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.09c — 2020-05-09

Sorry it hasn't been a smooth release, thanks everyone who's let me know what's up, hopefully this version fixes all the main issues!

- fixed another game center crash on startup with previous version.
- fixed problem with displaying draft scores.
- fixed problems with Anchor stunning the wrong things.
- fixed problem with ranged weapons when using Brainspoon.
- fixed problem with Starshine not working correctly with Figurehead.

Mizzenmast expansion is available to purchase! 4 new heroes, 16 new weapons, and a new game mode: Draft.

### 1.09b — 2020-05-06

- fixed game center crash on startup with previous version.

Mizzenmast expansion is available to purchase! 4 new heroes, 16 new weapons, and a new game mode: Draft.

### 1.09 — 2020-05-05

Mizzenmast expansion is available to purchase!  4 new heroes, 16 new weapons, and a new game mode: Draft.

Some adjustments to previous elements:
- Jeska only restores one of blood and mana when they're equal, but can again curse multiple enemies.
- Amulet of Immortals IV curses all enemies when activated.
- Slingshot has a percentage chance to kill (instead of extra damage).
- Forbidden Scroll IV now targets a random outside enemy (instead of all).
- Brainspoon again spends mana to control an enemy, controlled enemies do not collect gems, but control of the hero is retained.
- Sacrificial Altar damage reduced to 2, but curses at IV.
- Lightning Rod damage increased to 2.

### 1.08b — 2020-02-25

fixed scoreboards not being visible & minor issues with previous update.
-- 
Substantial balance update.  Scoreboards are refreshed, but your old scores are saved as well (so you don't lose unlocks).

updates to Imbroglio:
- Count Harry IV: penalty now outlaws other weapons like Echo Harp that cause ranged damage, not just direct ranged attacks.
- Masina Rebel Queen: ability cost halved, penalty doubled.
- Whetstone: damage to 11111, strengthen other weapons at II and IV.
- Amulet of Immortals: respawns at a random location instead of on the amulet.
- Rusty Caltrops: IV replaced with I - stun here when an enemy dies.
- Bashing Warclub: IV text clarified.
- Menacing Cleaver: damage increased from 11123 to 11223.
- Blinding Lantern: I now affects all enemies (instead of one random).
- Malign Wand: IV replaced with I - restore mana.
- Poisoned Chalice: 0 now affects all enemies (instead of one random).
- Forbidden Scroll: IV is now "spend to kill enemies outside".
- Entangling Rope: 0 affects a random enemy instead of enemies of the same kind, I has percentages restored to 25/50/75/100.
- Geomantic Orb: I moved to 0, IV effect triggers when previous effect activates instead of on kill.
- Dream Wheel: IV moved to 0 but only triggers at night, new stun effect at I.
- Morphic Mirror: the spend targets all enemies hit by the 0 effect, instead of the one hit by the initial attack (interacts with Battery).
- menu button positions adjusted for phones with missing screen corners.

updates to Ossuary:
- Festerfang Venom: IV moved to I, damage to 11112.
- Jagged Saw: new IV effect.
- Brainspoon: 0 no longer costs mana.  controlled enemies can damage each other and the hero.
- Skeleton Key: IV moved to I and limited by level.
- Dragon Skull: fixed bug with current mana not being reduced when the maximum drops.
- Forged Sigil: 1 additional rune per level.
- Runestaff: 0 cost halved and II moved to I.
- Skeleton Key and Vesuvius Bob: when targeting a wall, select which ability to use (instead of applying both).

updates to Phlogiston:
- Thunderbolt Jade: ability now affects random nearest uncharged weapon, so it has an effect when the current weapon is already charged.
- Oko the Gnome: ability cost increased by half.
- Storm Hammer: I triggers on kill instead of discharge.
- Cosmic Battery: 0 triggers from any spend, not just mana.
- Sacrificial Altar: damage reduced from 11223 to 11123.
- Esoteric Prism: IV runes increased by half.
- Extension Cord: IV has range and is given lower priority than enemies.
- Lightning Rod: I is affected by all weapons above (not just immediate) and IV affects all weapons below.
- Ectoplasm Capacitor: 0 now works correctly.
- Alembic: percentages dropped (50 to 33).
- Philosopher's Stone: gems on levelup halved, and hero takes damage instead of reducing maximum.

### 1.08 — 2020-02-18

Substantial balance update.  Scoreboards are refreshed, but your old scores are saved as well (so you don't lose unlocks).

updates to Imbroglio:
- Count Harry IV: penalty now outlaws other weapons like Echo Harp that cause ranged damage, not just direct ranged attacks.
- Masina Rebel Queen: ability cost halved, penalty doubled.
- Whetstone: damage to 11111, strengthen other weapons at II and IV.
- Amulet of Immortals: respawns at a random location instead of on the amulet.
- Rusty Caltrops: IV replaced with I - stun here when an enemy dies.
- Bashing Warclub: IV text clarified.
- Menacing Cleaver: damage increased from 11123 to 11223.
- Blinding Lantern: I now affects all enemies (instead of one random).
- Malign Wand: IV replaced with I - restore mana.
- Poisoned Chalice: 0 now affects all enemies (instead of one random).
- Forbidden Scroll: IV is now "spend to kill enemies outside".
- Entangling Rope: 0 affects a random enemy instead of enemies of the same kind, I has percentages restored to 25/50/75/100.
- Geomantic Orb: I moved to 0, IV effect triggers when previous effect activates instead of on kill.
- Dream Wheel: IV moved to 0 but only triggers at night, new stun effect at I.
- Morphic Mirror: the spend targets all enemies hit by the 0 effect, instead of the one hit by the initial attack (interacts with Battery).
- menu button positions adjusted for phones with missing screen corners.

updates to Ossuary:
- Festerfang Venom: IV moved to I, damage to 11112.
- Jagged Saw: new IV effect.
- Brainspoon: 0 no longer costs mana.  controlled enemies can damage each other and the hero.
- Skeleton Key: IV moved to I and limited by level.
- Dragon Skull: fixed bug with current mana not being reduced when the maximum drops.
- Forged Sigil: 1 additional rune per level.
- Runestaff: 0 cost halved and II moved to I.
- Skeleton Key and Vesuvius Bob: when targeting a wall, select which ability to use (instead of applying both).

updates to Phlogiston:
- Thunderbolt Jade: ability now affects random nearest uncharged weapon, so it has an effect when the current weapon is already charged.
- Oko the Gnome: ability cost increased by half.
- Storm Hammer: I triggers on kill instead of discharge.
- Cosmic Battery: 0 triggers from any spend, not just mana.
- Sacrificial Altar: damage reduced from 11223 to 11123.
- Esoteric Prism: IV runes increased by half.
- Extension Cord: IV has range and is given lower priority than enemies.
- Lightning Rod: I is affected by all weapons above (not just immediate) and IV affects all weapons below.
- Ectoplasm Capacitor: 0 now works correctly.
- Alembic: percentages dropped (50 to 33).
- Philosopher's Stone: gems on levelup halved, and hero takes damage instead of reducing maximum.

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## More apps by Michael Brough

- [Zaga-33](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zaga-33/id516903940)
- [Helix](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helix/id562550427)
- [Corrypt](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/corrypt/id588935336)
- [868-HACK](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/868-hack/id635749911)
- [Cinco Paus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cinco-paus/id1249999336)

All apps by Michael Brough: https://appshunter.io/developer/490257881

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-11.*