Etherlords II is Strategy First's sequel to their card-based dueling
game that combined elements of games like Magic: The Gathering with
fully 3D graphics. This new iteration in the series is adding another
element, a role-playing exploration theme, that allows the player to find
their way through a mystical world and to decide for themselves what battle
they will dive into or run from.
The gameplay revolves around your race's hero, who will be at the focal
point of all battles. When a fight does occur, you and your opponent's hero
will square off against one another, casting spells, creatures, and
generally trying to cause as much mayhem for the other as possible. Your
hero doesn't actually partake in the nitty gritty of the battle; instead,
they sit back and control the action. However, they are not totally safe.
They can be attacked by their opponent's creatures and spells, and if they
die, it's game over for that player. At your hero's disposal will be a deck
of cards, much like Magic: The Gathering. Casting these cards and
using them against your opponent is the only way to win, so deck
customization is going to be a big part of Etherlords II. Not only
can you upgrade your deck, but your hero will also gain experience, leading
to higher levels and new abilities.
Players will be given the chance to take control of one of four races in the
Campaign mode, which will include NPCs, side quests, and different
perspectives depending on the player's race. There will be 5 different
campaign modes, each from the perspective of one of the four races, plus one
that centers on another extremely powerful race that has the ability to
wield the spells from all the other races.
The non-linear story line, coupled with all of the cool features of the
first game and the sharp 3D graphics may make Etherlords II a winner
this fall. It has what it takes to attract fans from many different realms
of the RPG world, and hopefully enough will answer the call this time around
to merit yet another recursion of this franchise.
