About the Game

Made for the thatgamecompany x COREBLAZER 2025 game jam. Horns and Grace is a narrative-driven deck-building game set in a mythic version of feudal Japan. You play as a wandering swordsman burdened by a violent past and a demonic presence that lingers beneath the surface. Every step forward is a choice between power and redemption.

A Tale of Redemption Through Sacrifice

Once feared and powerful, you now walk a different path—offering aid to strangers and facing the shadows of your former self. Your strength is your burden. The more you give, the weaker you become. And yet, that may be the only way forward.

In Horns and Grace, generosity is not a mechanic—it is the very soul of your journey.

How to Play

Battle enemies in turn-based card combat. Turns are handled in one unified turn. Click cards in your hand and you'll notice they appear in the upper card zones. These zones show the order in which your cards will activate and the numbers above the zones signify enemy damage intent.  Zones will activate at the same time as enemy attacks in the same zone, and go in order from left to right. Clicking on a zone with a card inside will switch that card to defense mode. Defense mode will take the damage value of the card and convert it into defense. When you're ready, press the Engage button, and watch how the attacks play out!

Features

Unique deckbuilding mechanics that flow akin to cinematic standoffs in classic samurai movies.

Instead of building a deck over time from a basic build, you already start with a great deck. The choices made in the game will determine if you keep that build, deplete it, or replace it entirely.

A powerful narrative about moral choice, inner demons, and redemption

Cards that represent negative traits—which can be sacrificed through player actions depending on your choices

Encounters and events with meaningful consequences

Multiple endings determined by the grace or selfishness of your path

Themes

Your journey is not just about defeating enemies—it’s about forging your own future regardless of your past. Will you cling to the horns of your past, or embrace the grace of change?

DISCLAIMER

AI was used partially to assist with coding and debugging.