New trailer, information on the combat system in Deck of Ashes revealed

Deck-building turn-based game Deck of Ashes today received a video highlighting how its unique card-based combat system will function. While plenty of the cards will cost Mana points, some of these will require health points instead, adding to the variety of strategies you can use.

Though the combat system in Deck of Ashes is turn-based, a successful duel begs a deeper level of strategic planning. Battles are divided into rounds, where characters take turns based on their speed, and the speed of each character may waver throughout the battle. Each turn is limited by the amount of Mana points spent on using a particular card in a Battle Deck. There are also cards that cost Health points instead of Mana points. Also, there are opponents who have the ability to increase the cost of cards, ultimately reducing the number of cards you can play per turn.

There are five types of cards that can greatly benefit the player:

• Strike Cards: Deals instant moderate damage to an opponent.
• Periodic Damage Cards: Deals a small amount of damage each turn, wearing the opponent down over time.
• Boon Cards: Strengthens a character’s toughness.
• Healing Cards: Shockingly, heals a player.
• Hex Cards: Casts an effect on an opponent to weaken them over time.

Initially, a player may encounter 1-3 opponents in any given battle, but some opponents may summon reinforcements. Additionally, some monsters are able to strengthen themselves and their summoned allies and deal instant or periodic damage to weaken a Hero in battle. The negative effects that opponents can cast on a Hero vary between enemy classes. Opponents reveal the cards they will play next turn, granting players the opportunity to strategically plan their next turn. Enemies may burn a player’s cards, decrease their stats, apply negative effects to cards, and increase their cost, so it is vital to study an opponent’s cards carefully to prevail in battle!

Deck of Ashes will enter Steam Early Access on April 11th, 2019. For more information, visit the AY Games website.