Card-en-Ciel

Card-en-Ciel is a production that combines element of RPGs, card games and roguelikes. The Japanese studio Inti Creates, which has series such as Gunvolt and Gal*Gun in its portfolio, is behind the development.

Plot

Card-en-Ciel takes us to the sci-fi universe, where a fictional video game called Rust Tactics triumphs. When characters from other productions start to appear in its world, a member of the development team - Ancie - contacts a gaming detective known as Neon to investigate the matter and deal with the problem before it completely gets out of control. Neon has no choice but to immerse himself in the world of Rust Tactics and face the threat hanging over him.

Mechanics

The adventure in Card-en-Ciel leads us through various dungeons related to various fictional video games whose heroes visited the world of Rust Tactics. As we explore them, we encounter opponents and engage in turn-based card duels. While during the exploration phase we watch the action in an isometric view, after starting a skirmish the camera changes to a side view perspective. Both the dungeons and individual arenas are covered with a grid of square fields.

On the battlefields, we play cards corresponding to specific characters, and by defeating our adversaries, we can add their cards to our deck and then force them to fight on our side. The characters have been differentiated in terms of available attacks and combat potential, and since individual moves can be combined into impressive combinations, the key to success is discovering the synergy between individual cards. Each card can be played in one of three ways, related to movement, effect, or a specific special ability.

In addition to standard cards, we also have so-called Muse Cards at our disposal which, after fulfilling certain conditions, can start singing, providing us with various enhancements. Additionally, special "glitched" cards are waiting to be found. Their skillful use can also tip the scales of victory in our favor.

In total, there are over 300 cards waiting to be collected. Interestingly, they are not just props, but characters in themselves. Each of them has been voiced, thanks to which they comment on our actions and also conduct intense conversations among themselves.

Once we decide that our card collection is powerful enough, we can go to fight the boss who guards the exit from a given dungeon. It is worth remembering that our actions are scored, and if we want to achieve the highest score, we must act not only effectively, but also quickly. In the latter, the ability to bypass opponents helps.

Interestingly, after leaving the dungeon and moving on to the next one, our deck is reset and we have to start the process of collecting cards from the beginning. Nonetheless, previously unlocked cards can still be used in critical moments, as well as in special dungeons that allow for large battles, which we unlock as we progress. In addition to this, after clearing a given dungeon, we gain access to 10 additional difficulty levels, including those that strengthen enemies and change the rules of the game.

Game modes

Card-en-Ciel can be played alone or in multiplayer mode over the Internet, where we fight card duels with another person. In addition to the story mode, daily dungeons with global rankings have been added to the game.

Technical aspects

The graphic design of Card-en-Ciel is maintained in a manga style.

Last updated on 22 May 2024