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?
Dominion may be the pioneer of this? Bgg classify it as variable setup and deck, bag and pool building. Dominion is not a small box but it is just cards really and plays well at 2.
I feel Dominion-like deck builders are a dime-a-dozen these days. In video games too. But what distinguishes Compile for me is that editing your deck isn't part of the main gameplay loop. Instead you and your opponent draft sub-decks at the start of the game, shuffle them together, and then play with that. That's the mechanic I'm asking about that seems harder to find. At least while staying compact and relatively quick to learn and play.