Montabi, a creature-collector roguelike deckbuilder developed by Mankibo and published by Akupara Games, launched this week on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 and is available now on the Nintendo eShop.
To mark the release, Akupara Games and Mankibo released an official launch trailer showcasing the game’s core systems and style.
Gameplay overview
Montabi tasks players with taming a roster of unique creatures—known as Montabi—to battle through the city’s unforgiving streets.
The title combines deckbuilding with tactical, grid-based encounters: fights take place on a 3×3 battlemap where placement and ability synergies influence outcomes.
As creatures level up they evolve into more powerful forms and unlock new card abilities, expanding strategic options over successive runs.
In a launch statement, Akupara Games and Mankibo explained that players will "tame a roster of unique Montabi, each with their own abilities, to battle through unforgiving streets; strategize on a tactical 3×3 battlemap; evolve Montabi into stronger forms; and unlock new cards so no run ever plays the same way." That summary reflects the game’s focus on variety and replayability.
Deckbuilding and progression
Montabi emphasizes collection-driven deck construction.
Players build teams by capturing Montabi, each with distinct skill sets that create opportunities for team synergies.
The game features 22 starter Montabi lines and a card pool of more than 500 cards, with equipment and charms further modifying builds.
Evolving Montabi not only increases raw power but also grants new moves and card options, allowing players to adapt strategies mid-run.
Tactical decisions and trainer choice
Combat requires tactical decision-making on the compact 3×3 grid, where positioning and ability timing matter.
Players also choose from multiple trainers, each offering different playstyles—ranging from positional specialists to aggressive front-line approaches or support-focused buffs.
If a trainer is defeated, the run ends, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the roguelike loop.
Availability and coverage
The Montabi launch trailer is available from Akupara Games and Mankibo, and the game can be purchased on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
For a hands-on perspective, a separate review is available from our editorial team detailing performance and design impressions.
To mark the release, Akupara Games and Mankibo released an official launch trailer showcasing the game’s core systems and style.
Gameplay overview
Montabi tasks players with taming a roster of unique creatures—known as Montabi—to battle through the city’s unforgiving streets.
The title combines deckbuilding with tactical, grid-based encounters: fights take place on a 3×3 battlemap where placement and ability synergies influence outcomes.
As creatures level up they evolve into more powerful forms and unlock new card abilities, expanding strategic options over successive runs.
In a launch statement, Akupara Games and Mankibo explained that players will "tame a roster of unique Montabi, each with their own abilities, to battle through unforgiving streets; strategize on a tactical 3×3 battlemap; evolve Montabi into stronger forms; and unlock new cards so no run ever plays the same way." That summary reflects the game’s focus on variety and replayability.
Deckbuilding and progression
Montabi emphasizes collection-driven deck construction.
Players build teams by capturing Montabi, each with distinct skill sets that create opportunities for team synergies.
The game features 22 starter Montabi lines and a card pool of more than 500 cards, with equipment and charms further modifying builds.
Evolving Montabi not only increases raw power but also grants new moves and card options, allowing players to adapt strategies mid-run.
Tactical decisions and trainer choice
Combat requires tactical decision-making on the compact 3×3 grid, where positioning and ability timing matter.
Players also choose from multiple trainers, each offering different playstyles—ranging from positional specialists to aggressive front-line approaches or support-focused buffs.
If a trainer is defeated, the run ends, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the roguelike loop.
Availability and coverage
The Montabi launch trailer is available from Akupara Games and Mankibo, and the game can be purchased on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
For a hands-on perspective, a separate review is available from our editorial team detailing performance and design impressions.
