In Stormbound Kingdom Wars, you build a deck comprising cards that have two consistent stats, Strength and Movement. Playing on a simple 5 by 5 grid, your goal is to get your units to the other side and deal damage to the enemy’s base, all the while defending your own.
The game works on a system of frontlines – each card you play effects the playing field, whether through direct damage or placing units, but only those placed units can progress the frontline. As the frontline is moved forward, it enables you to place units on any tiles behind that line.
This means that it is entirely beneficial to have units in your deck whose sole ability is to progress the front line. One of the starting units, for example, is very weak physically but can move two tiles at a time. Because of this, you are able to place more units on the playing field due to the increased space.
It is this kind of increased strategy that gives Stormbound Kingdom Wars its depth. Players not only need to focus on destroying the enemy base but also defending their own in the face of enemy attacks.[sc name=”quote” text=”Players not only need to focus on destroying the enemy base but also defending their own in the face of enemy attacks.”]
Units generally have unique abilities as well, ensuring that the enemy might very suddenly possess just the right thing needed to kill you.
This entire strategic gameplay is in itself a complete game, but Stormbound Kingdom Wars couples it with a CCG mechanic by adding a unique card system. As you beat enemies and progress through the campaign and PvP, you get to earn new and interesting cards that you can combine into a custom deck.
Though this means you will never be able to predict what the enemy will have, it does mean that you will be able to play in a variety of styles. You could specialize your deck around direct damage spells, or on fast progression of the frontline.
Lots of other games try to cultivate this kind of intelligently designed CCG, but few succeed. Most of the time, the game is far too focused on encouraging you to spend real life money on new cards so as to gain the upper hand. In Stormbound Kingdom Wars, however, the progression for a free to play players is just satisfying enough to ensure you can get by without paying for it.
The gameplay is fresh and interesting and the CCG mechanics are tried and tested, but definitely still fun.[sc name=”quote” text=”The gameplay is fresh and interesting and the CCG mechanics are tried and tested, but definitely still fun.”]
Stormbound Kingdom Wars is a surprising little gem that manages to combine strategy tabletop gameplay with card collecting, all the while making it intensely fun.
Stormbound Kingdom Wars is likely going to grow into a fully fledged gaming community, so it only makes sense that you join it as soon as possible.
[review pros=”Great straetgic depth. Great combination of strategy and card gaming.” cons=”The frontline progression sometimes feels a bit confusing.” score=9]
[appbox googleplay com.kongregate.mobile.stormbound.google]
[appbox appstore id1234446615]
