So I've mentioned this a couple of times but I feel that, having surpassed the 50 hrs threshold of an Early Access game, I ought to provide a mini-review.
So I've always loved the mechanics of card games but I could never be a dedicated player, because 1) the business model is a literal and degenerate money drain and 2) I prefer SP games to play at my leisure.
Yet I still feel like I'm missing out on something I would enjoy.
There WAS a little game which somehow took the fun part of card games and made it into a SP game. I'm talking about Card Hunter: it was a nice little game indeed, but I could never really get into its business model either, plus the presentation is silly, and so on.
When I heard about LotR Living Card Game (digital), despite it being in Early Access, I had to try, even though I felt quite sure I was wasting a few dollars.
But I thought what the hell.
For those who don't know, it's the transposition of a co-op physical card game, where the usual 2-player symmetry is replaced by an asymmetrical fight against a foe who runs a "boss deck that goes on autopilot". The deck is made exactly for this purpose so you don't need someone to play against, and, more importantly, a computer program can handle it just as you would with the physical version.
Now, the digital version isn't an exact reproduction of the original game, as far as its mechanics and the specific cards go. There have been complaints about this, but I think the developers made the right choice. Now, I don't know the original game well, but I know, for instance, that the "Ranged" keyword practically only had reason to exist in co-op play, whereas it's been reworked (imho for the better) in the digital version.
The spell casting has been simplified (more complaints here), and other things were changed, but at the end of the day you should consider the digital version a different incarnation of the same idea: what matters is that it's fun and it does provide a challenge.
Why I'm greatly enjoying it:
SO FAR - I mean, granted, caution is always advisable.
Also, Early Access: expect unfinished stuff and some bugs. Only fair, right?
I think monocled Codexers should consider giving this title a chance. One can see it's been made with care, you don't get to see that often.
Oh, I think Valor Points rewards are higher ATM because they do want people to test cards at this stage.
I for one still miss a few BTW.
So I've always loved the mechanics of card games but I could never be a dedicated player, because 1) the business model is a literal and degenerate money drain and 2) I prefer SP games to play at my leisure.
Yet I still feel like I'm missing out on something I would enjoy.
There WAS a little game which somehow took the fun part of card games and made it into a SP game. I'm talking about Card Hunter: it was a nice little game indeed, but I could never really get into its business model either, plus the presentation is silly, and so on.
When I heard about LotR Living Card Game (digital), despite it being in Early Access, I had to try, even though I felt quite sure I was wasting a few dollars.
But I thought what the hell.
For those who don't know, it's the transposition of a co-op physical card game, where the usual 2-player symmetry is replaced by an asymmetrical fight against a foe who runs a "boss deck that goes on autopilot". The deck is made exactly for this purpose so you don't need someone to play against, and, more importantly, a computer program can handle it just as you would with the physical version.
Now, the digital version isn't an exact reproduction of the original game, as far as its mechanics and the specific cards go. There have been complaints about this, but I think the developers made the right choice. Now, I don't know the original game well, but I know, for instance, that the "Ranged" keyword practically only had reason to exist in co-op play, whereas it's been reworked (imho for the better) in the digital version.
The spell casting has been simplified (more complaints here), and other things were changed, but at the end of the day you should consider the digital version a different incarnation of the same idea: what matters is that it's fun and it does provide a challenge.
Why I'm greatly enjoying it:
- The business model is reasonable and clean (so far). Randomness is made away: you buy full expansions.
- The art is fantastic
- Voice acting is superb
- The music evokes the sound of the movies (ofc), but in a good way
- It oozes flavor everywhere thanks to the attention to detail. Example: special hero rewards cards!
- Or the "Fleeting" keyword for Istaris... genius!
- It's challenging. I mean there are difficulty settings but, on average, it will kick your ass if you don't do your homework.
- You do need to acquire better cards and create more efficient decks to progress with the quests.
- ...and you'll need to go beyond a superficial understanding of the mechanics.
- The quests do make a good use, and sometimes a clever use, of said mechanics
- The game makes you want to play to acquire the missing cards
- ... because while get the basic set of cards with each expansion, you need to EARN the additional ones.
- You can get additional cards as Quest rewards, Hero rewards, and by trading them with Valor points
- Valor points are basically tied to the scoring system, but at the end of the day they are a by-product of playing
- It has now a tutorial to get you started. The tutorial might even kick your newfag ass if you don't pay attention.
- No perceivable SJW influence. I mean it's LotR and the title remained under the radar so far.
SO FAR - I mean, granted, caution is always advisable.
Also, Early Access: expect unfinished stuff and some bugs. Only fair, right?
I think monocled Codexers should consider giving this title a chance. One can see it's been made with care, you don't get to see that often.
Oh, I think Valor Points rewards are higher ATM because they do want people to test cards at this stage.
I for one still miss a few BTW.
