Even on the hardest difficulty, I never felt like I was getting the short end of the stick and found that winning was much more rewarding. Some matches throw out life points and challenge you to survive a certain number of rounds.Īs cheap as some of the alternate conditions sound, they add a lot to play. Additionally, some will begin the match with one or two creatures already summoned. Some will have less, others will have more. Players have the same number of life points in the other game types, but in Campaign, NPC's life points vary. However, duels in Campaign throw in additional conditions to add a little spice to games. Matches usually last anywhere from 5 - 10 minutes, regardless of match type and usually end when your opponent's life points are depleted. Spectromancer is divided into three play modes: Single Duel, Campaign and Online Duel. Were it not for the award cards granted after certain matches, it could even be argued that Spectromancer is just a card game, not a collectable one. The only thing that gives you any sense of personalization is choosing your fifth discipline, though even then, you're given a random set of cards, so it doesn't feel as personal. At the same time, deck building has always been one of my favorite parts of playing CCGs, so with that element missing, I didn't enjoy the game as much. I understand the idea behind the system it keeps people honest, especially during online matches. Instead, cards are randomly doled out before the game and you're stuck with whatever luck decided to bring you for the rest of the game. Spells are instant-use cards that either deal direct damage to a player or creatures or heal damage.Ī key problem with Spectromancer is that you can't customize your deck. The scope of the abilities isn't massive, but there's enough variety that games can quickly become interesting with the right combinations on the table. Most also have a secondary ability, such as dealing damage when they come into play or healing each turn. Each has an attack number and health total that depletes every time they take damage. Summon cards call creatures to your side and are your main method of dealing damage to opponents. There are two basic spell types: Summon and Spell. Once you have casting points, you cast a spell from your hand and attack. Cards are split into four main categories - water, air, fire, earth - and players can choose from another set - Death, Chaos, Control, Illusion, Holy, Mechanics - to round out their deck. Turns are broken up into phases first you earn casting points in each of the disciplines. Spectromancer follows the same turn-based structure of other CCGs, though in an abbreviated form. Some sort of sound effect accompanies most spells, though other than that, there's little else going on. It isn't annoying, but I don't think anyone would blame you if you wanted to crank on iTunes or something in the background while playing. Background music plays on a constant loop in the background. Spell effects are a little flashier cards like "Wrath of God" or "Lighting Bolt" fly from your deck and produce some neat effects while dealing damage. (If you've played Culdcept, you know what I mean). Disappointing, somewhat, but any other method would either slow the flow of gameplay or look cheesy.
The art style is consistent across all cards and for the most part looks good.Ĭard battles are little more than the two shuffling around and overlapping each other. It doesn't sound like that big of a deal, but I've played enough computer-based CCGs to know that sometimes this is a major issue. Cards are big and, once you know them, you can easily identify them just by the picture.
Spectromancer opts for the first choice and it was a good one. When it comes to CCG visuals, there are two approaches: either use the flat, 2D card art or try to bring the cards into a 3D world. Although Spectromancer doesn't quite scratch my CCG-playing itch, it is still a fun and addictive game. I'm a big fan of Collectable Card Games (CCG), so the chance to play one with ties to Magic: The Gathering creators was an opportunity I couldn't resist.