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?
check out https://nullsignal.games/
its the continuation of the living card game Android: Netrunner
you can build decks and then play online too at jinteki.net
Ah yes, Android: Netrunner is one I need to check out. I think that might be closest to what I'm looking for. Hah, it feels like every single one of these deck drafting games is set in the same quasi-sci-fi, play-as-an-AI-in-the-future type universe.
You can give it a try on Jinteki and find a nice deck here.
Another upvote for Netrunner. I have the original printing starter box (WOTC), Lots of the FFG cards, and I think the starter print-on-demand from Null Signal. I played in a tournament on Jinteki and absolutely had my ass handed to me, but I still had a good time. I also picked up a set of 3-d printed tokens from Litko. If you want to dig in with some youtube content, my go to is Metropole Grid - https://www.youtube.com/@MetropoleGrid