In particular, I like the part where you build your deck from a set of themed sub-decks before the start, and then it’s up to you to find the synergies between those themes. Not sure if there’s an existing term for that mechanic. I think it may count as a form of a deckbuilder, but editing the deck’s contents isn’t part of the main game loop. Maybe a deck drafter?
I also like that it’s a compact card game that doesn’t take long to learn or play, and plays well with only 2 players. The only other drafting games I’ve found have a board, lots of pieces, and are aimed at 4+ players.
Trying to search for games like Compile is a bit difficult, because in the other threads I find, people like to focus on the lane battling aspect, which I could take or leave. I’m mostly interested in compact drafting games for 2p. Anyone know any?
Maybe Millenium Blades?
https://www.level99store.com/products/millennium-blades
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/151347/millennium-blades
I remember when this came out. Looked interesting, but I never did get a chance to play it. More heavyweight than what I’m looking for though, I think. Seems more like a meta TCG-simulator, and a “game” takes hours.