Etherlords 2

Trading card games have been around for quite some time now, which means that the system had enough time to be refined and perfected. The blend of fantasy and strategy has captivated players for decades and there are countless games out there that use cards instead of boards or computers screens, but there are also some that chose to combine the elements into something new.

Etherlords 2 is part of a series that managed to transform the trading card system into a unique experience, by using the same mechanics as the rules for a video game. Thus, you get to build a deck over the course of the story and use the cards whenever you are in battle, in order to cast spells and summon other creatures to come to your aid.

The world of Etherlords is based around the magical force of ether, which grants those who are able to wield it incredible powers. There are four schools of magic in the game, namely chaos, kinetics, synthesis and vitality, while each one of them have different effects and purposes. Naturally, there are also four different races, all of which are more inclined toward a certain ether type. In the end, the purpose is to gain control over every spell and become the White Lord, who is the most powerful creature in existence.

In case you are not familiar with the trading card system, you should know that, obviously, the battles take place in a turn-based manner, since every player must play a card when his turn comes. The game uses the very same mechanics, which means that the combat system is very similar to any other TBS, although in this case, each spell is actually a card that is drawn from the deck.

Otherwise, when you are not in combat mode, the action takes place in real time and you get to move around the environment freely. The camera might be a bit difficult to adjust to in the beginning, since it is fixed on your hero and you can only rotate it with your mouse. Hence, it is rather annoying that you are not able to scroll around the map, but it is a minor inconvenience.

Etherlords 2 manages to improve on its predecessor in almost every aspect and fixed a lot of things when it comes to balancing and gameplay mechanics. Thus, the game should pose a challenge for every strategy enthusiast out there, although beginners can pick it up just as well.