Paranormal ‘90s Deckbuilder THE SPIRIT LIFT Opens its Doors on PC Today
Assemble a team of teen investigators, check in for an extended ghost-battling stay
THE SPIRIT LIFT, the ‘90s retro horror deck builder roguelike set in a haunted hotel from pretty smart games, featured in showcases such as The MIX, Indie Horror, and Game Devs of Color, battles ghoulish fiends on PC via Steam.
Form a squad of teen paranormal detectives to explore a mysterious, abandoned hotel and discover the secrets hidden within. Collect more than 200 cards to develop a deck of powerful abilities, buffs, and attacks by exploring each room across 13 floors. Turn everyday items like compact mirrors and tennis rackets into ghostbusting weapons to dish out damage against a menagerie of horrors from haunted dolls to sentient fungi. Scour each floor on the way up to the penthouse suite, where the hotel’s ultimate evil awaits.
Build a starting deck by selecting a plucky team of three teen paranormal investigators from a pool of eight characters, then venture forth into a spooky, abandoned hotel. Each character alters the starting deck, affecting battle strategies and offering distinct story revelations depending on who joins the fray. Scour rooms across 13 floors for secrets, new gear and upgrades, then head to the elevator to ascend to the next ghastly level.
All manner of supernatural spectres, unnaturally animated objects, and menacing poltergeists roam the halls. Battle these eerie apparitions who will stop at nothing to impede progress, and reach the penthouse suite to challenge a powerful, charismatic final boss. Unlock additional starting cards per party member, and customise the initial load out to pummel the foes that await on every floor.
Collect helpful items and weapons to aid in the final encounter, including firefighter axes, night-vision goggles and rollerblades. Engage in strategic card battles, defy death or try again. Visit the hotel’s mysteriously charming shopkeeper (who happens to be a wolf!) for new abilities to add to an evolving deck. Defeat ghastly fiends to gain experience, and choose strategic upgrades for a set of powerful cards.
Experiment with different card combinations, modifying the deck to individual play styles and progression. Earn Spirit points to spend on customisation options, and reap the rewards of every run. Along the way, uncover the lore hidden within the Library, participate in custom challenges, and defeat the multiple bosses that await! THE SPIRIT LIFT rewards death, offering endless replay-ability that respects player time.
“Our deck of 200+ cards features peculiar, retro items that offer a ton of advantages.” said Miko Charbonneau, Creative Director and Studio Lead at prettysmart games. “You can dish out damage with a tennis racket, stun enemies with a disposable camera, or heal the team with a literal adrenaline shot. You can also equip over 90 pieces of gear including mood rings and slap bracelets! We’re even more excited to see players find all the secrets we packed into the game. Horror references, mysterious evidence files, easter eggs, hidden story paths, and the real reason why these unlucky teens are doomed to repeat their graduation night over and over.”
THE SPIRIT LIFT is available on PC via Steam for $19.99, with a 10% discount January 2026.
