Info about Duelyst II: Official game description: **DUELYST II** is a free, fair, competitive tactics game. Build your collection of beautifully animated pixel art cards and put your skills to the test on the ranked ladder. * Position your units on the battlefield and destroy the enemy General to claim victory in strategic turn-based combat. * Construct a deck from hundreds of unique cards - use minions, spells, and artifacts to discover new strategies and devastating combos. * Choose from six powerful factions: Lyonar Kingdoms, Songhai Empire, Vetruvian Imperium, Abyssian Host, Magmar Aspects, and Vanar Kindred. The Factions ------------ * **Lyonar** The Lyonar Kingdoms are proficient close quarter fighters who use Provoke and Zeal establish a massive presence on the battlefield. Utilize their healing prowess and you can whittle down your opponents in a war of attrition. * **Songhai** Subterfuge is no stranger to the Songhai Empire, who steal the initiative with their displacement, ranged and backstab techniques. They're also masters of spell synergy, weaving devastating damage combos. * **Vetruvian** The Vetruvian Imperium focuses on ephemeral Dervish summoning and specialized minions. Use a myriad of buffs and debuffs to swing the fight in your favor, and equip powerful artifacts to make your General a lethal force. * **Abyssian** Masters of Deathwatch, the Abyssian Host know best how to profit from demise. They create deadly Shadow Creep and outnumber their opponents with an army of Wraithlings - weak alone, strong in numbers. * **Magmar** As resilient as nature itself, the Magmar Aspects are a powerful force to reckon with. Their Grow and Rebirth abilities require foes to invest heavily into tearing down their units, lest they get torn themselves. * **Vanar** The Vanar Kindred are an elite group of tacticians with the tools to manipulate the battlefield. Utilizing Infiltrate minions and Walls, they'll exercise swift and precise removal. With the cold as their ally, nothing runs away far. The world of Mythron awaits... ------------------------------ \- _ Dream Sloth Games has no affiliation with Counterplay Games. We extend our thanks to them for releasing much of the original Duelyst source code under a Creative Commons license in 2022._ Release date: 16 Dec, 2022 Categories: Card-based Gameplay, Turn-based Strategy, Tactical Combat, Grid-based Combat, Deckbuilding, Competitive Multiplayer, Single-player, Character Collection - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: No data - Playtime Metrics: No data - Time-to-fun: No data - Player Archetypes: No data Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Deep Tactical Card-Board Gameplay (weight 0.97): The game is lauded for its innovative blend of card game and turn-based strategy, featuring a tactical grid-based board. This unique combination, along with diverse factions and strategic deckbuilding, offers deep, skill-rewarding gameplay that minimizes randomness and encourages thoughtful play. - Stunning Art & Engaging Design (weight 0.9): Players consistently praise the game's beautiful pixel art, hand-drawn sprites, and high-quality animations. The overall aesthetic, including character designs and soundtrack, creates a unique and visually appealing experience that significantly contributes to player enjoyment and immersion. - Successful Revival of a Classic (weight 0.85): Many reviews express immense joy and gratitude for the game's revival, particularly Duelyst II, which is seen as a polished and improved version of the beloved original. The community-driven effort to bring the game back, including a Kickstarter campaign, resonates strongly with returning players. - Generous Free-to-Play Model (weight 0.32): The game is highly praised for its free-to-play accessibility, allowing players to acquire all content and compete at high levels without spending money. This generous monetization, coupled with improved card acquisition rates and reasonable booster pack prices, is a significant positive. - Enhanced Mechanics & Balance (weight 0.27): Players appreciate the improved mechanical structure, such as drawing two cards per turn and the replace mechanic, which enhances hand playability and strategic depth. Ongoing developer efforts in balancing and regular updates contribute to a more refined and skill-based experience. - Accessible Legacy Mode (weight 0.21): The inclusion of a Legacy mode is a highly valued feature, allowing players to access all original cards immediately and play under classic Duelyst rules. This mode provides limitless deck combinations and caters to both new and returning players who wish to experience the game as it was. Common complaints: - Significant Balance and P2W Issues (weight 0.92): Players report the game is severely unbalanced, leading to frustration and a 'pay-to-win' environment where spending money is almost essential for enjoyment and progression. This makes the game feel like a 'moneygrab' and deters new players. - Poor Matchmaking and Low Player Count (weight 0.9): The game suffers from a small player base, leading to long queue times and imbalanced matchmaking. New players are frequently pitted against highly experienced opponents with superior card collections, creating a frustrating and unwelcoming experience. - Lack of Content and Slow Progression (weight 0.75): Players are dissatisfied with the lack of new content, game modes, and expansions, making the game feel stagnant. The progression system is described as slow and grindy, akin to a mobile game, discouraging experimentation and making it difficult to build competitive decks without spending money. - Downgrade from Original Duelyst (weight 0.47): Many players feel this iteration is a significant downgrade from the original Duelyst, lacking content, unique mechanics, and failing to build upon its predecessor. The loss of previous collections and the feeling of starting from scratch are major pain points. - Concerns about Game's Future (weight 0.38): Players express worry about the game's long-term viability due to slow development, perceived lack of promotion, and a dwindling player base, fearing it might be abandoned. - Frustrating Gameplay Mechanics (weight 0.18): Players find the gameplay frustrating due to powerful instant effects that negate strategic positioning and unit movement. The '2-draw meta' also incentivizes hyper-fast strategies, making the game less tactical and more reliant on immediate threats. - Technical Performance Issues (weight 0.06): Some players experience occasional freezing and delays in actions, even in practice matches. This technical instability detracts from the overall gameplay experience. - Unappealing Art Style (weight 0.05): Some players dislike the new pixel art style, finding it weaker and less unique compared to the original game's aesthetic. - Lack of Localization (weight 0.05): The game lacks translations into several languages, including Chinese and French, limiting its accessibility to a wider international audience. Gameplay feedback: - Unique Tactical Card Combat (weight 0.69): The game uniquely blends card game mechanics with grid-based, turn-based tactical combat, similar to a mix of Hearthstone and Chess. Players build decks and strategically move units and a general on a battlefield, emphasizing positioning and tactical maneuvers. - Diverse Factions and Archetypes (weight 0.37): The game features 6 distinct factions, each with unique characteristics, play styles, and heroes. These factions offer diverse card sets and tactical approaches, encouraging players to explore different strategies. - Duelyst II: A Community Revival (weight 0.28): Duelyst II is a fan-driven revival and re-balancing of the original Duelyst game. It aims to offer a refreshed experience while retaining the core mechanics, with all cards accessible for free. - Legacy Mode Available (weight 0.16): For players who prefer the original game's mechanics, a 'Legacy Mode' is included. This mode allows access to the first-generation rules and card sets, though it is not updated by default. - Progression and Rewards (weight 0.15): Players can earn gold through daily quests, wins, and achievements, which can be used to unlock card packs. There's also a monthly ranked ladder with rewards based on performance. - New Player Onboarding (weight 0.11): New players can familiarize themselves with the game through single-player training and challenges against AI, which also helps in unlocking faction-specific card packs. - Steep Learning Curve (weight 0.07): The game is noted for its high skill floor and steep learning curve, suggesting it requires significant time and effort to master its strategic depth. - Multi-Platform Support (weight 0.06): The game is available on PC and mobile devices, with regular updates and new events planned. Performance notes: - Frequent Disconnections Occur (weight 0.03): Players are experiencing regular disconnections from the game, even when they have a stable and fast internet connection. This issue significantly disrupts gameplay and negatively impacts the user experience. - Technical State is Acceptable (weight 0.03): From a technical perspective, the game is considered to be in an acceptable state. Reviewers note that bugs are being addressed and fixed, indicating ongoing support and improvement. Recommendations: - Mixed Recommendations & Community (weight 0.59): Player sentiment is highly divided, with many recommending the game for its strategic depth and genre appeal, while others strongly advise against it due to perceived issues or a steep learning curve. There's a strong emphasis on engaging with the community, particularly through Discord, for new players. - Appeal to Specific Genres (weight 0.27): The game is highly recommended for fans of TCGs, strategy games, puzzle games, and those who enjoy turn-based strategic card games. It's also suggested for players burned out on Hearthstone or looking for alternatives to MTG. - Not for Duelyst 1 Veterans (weight 0.2): A significant portion of feedback from former Duelyst 1 players indicates dissatisfaction, with some strongly advising against playing Duelyst II, labeling it 'hot garbage' compared to the original. - Concerns About RNG & Balance (weight 0.09): Some players express frustration with RNG-based counters and specific balance issues, particularly concerning Magmar, rush mechanics, and a card that 'deletes Vetruvian archetype.' These issues are cited as reasons for not recommending the game. - Free-to-Play Accessibility (weight 0.07): The game is free to download and offers ways for free-to-play users to progress, such as focusing on one faction for card acquisition and solving puzzle-like challenges for gold. Recent updates have also improved rewards. - Rejoin Event Battles (weight 0.05): Players desire the ability to rejoin event boss battles after being disconnected or 'kicked' from the game, indicating a frustration with current system limitations. - Alternative Game Suggestions (weight 0.04): Reviewers suggest alternative games like Abalon for whimsical, spatially-aware summoner gameplay and Legacy's Allure for a more tactical, no-randomness experience, indicating a desire for specific gameplay elements not fully met by the current game. Other player notes: - Fan-led Revival of Duelyst (weight 0.67): The game is a fan-driven revival of the original Duelyst, which ceased operations due to poor management and acquisition by Bandai Namco. New developers, Dream Sloth Games, acquired the license and used the open-sourced code to bring the game back, iterating on the original concept. - Monetization and Progression Concerns (weight 0.41): There are mixed feelings about the monetization system. While some reviews state it's not as bad as perceived, especially after December 27th updates, others recall promises from the original Kickstarter campaign regarding monetization. The system is still evolving, with future changes planned to address progression and communication. - Future Development and Features (weight 0.18): Developers have a roadmap for future changes, including new card releases, multi-language support, and a 'Legacy mode' to play the old version of the game. The game's operational stability and player count are still being monitored. - Community and Player Resources (weight 0.15): The community plays a vital role, with recommendations to join Discord for advice and use resources like Decklyst for deck ideas. There are also tips for new players on card acquisition and strategy, including an invitation code for bonus gold. - Gameplay and Design Feedback (weight 0.14): Feedback indicates a desire for more strategic gameplay, focusing on board setup rather than instant effects, and a need for clearer faction identities. The game has a learning curve, and while not perfect, it offers potential for competitive play. - External Content Mentions (weight 0.12): Some reviews included links to external content like Steam community pages or personal curator pages, which are not directly related to game feedback but provide context on reviewer engagement. - Quality of Life Improvements Needed (weight 0.11): Players have suggested several quality-of-life improvements for the game's interface, particularly in deck building and card collection. These include automatic deck saving, better display of opened cards, a 'new' filter for cards, and clearer card count displays in deck building. - Competitive Market Context (weight 0.05): The original Duelyst launched into a saturated online CCG market, and the current revival faces strong competition. This context is important for understanding the game's challenges and potential for growth. - Open Source Code (weight 0.02): The game's source code is open to everyone, which was instrumental in its fan-led revival and allows for community contributions. - Veteran Player Experience (weight 0.02): Players with extensive experience in the original Duelyst (1000+ hours) are returning, indicating a strong nostalgic pull and a dedicated player base. - Physical Game Mention (weight 0.02): One review mentioned a physical board game coming out instead of new content, which is an interesting piece of information but not directly actionable feedback for the digital game. - Regional Restrictions (weight 0.02): The original version of the game blocked players from Russia, a historical detail that may be relevant to some players. Emotions: - Satisfaction (weight 0.44): Players are highly satisfied with the game's strategic depth, balanced gameplay, and beautiful art style. The successful revival of the original game, improved free-to-play progression, and addressing of past monetization issues also contribute significantly to player contentment. - Frustration (weight 0.36): Frustration stems from severe balance issues, particularly with overpowered cards and aggro dominance, leading to a 'pay-to-win' perception. Poor matchmaking, long queue times, and various technical problems like disconnections and bugs also significantly detract from the player experience. - Disappointment (weight 0.34): Players are disappointed by the game's low player count, which leads to long queue times and an inability to enjoy casual play. The removal of beloved mechanics and content from the original game, coupled with a perceived 'pay-to-win' monetization and slow progression, also contributes to a feeling that the revival fell short of expectations. - Excitement (weight 0.31): Excitement is driven by the successful revival of a beloved game, offering unique strategic gameplay, beautiful art, and engaging mechanics. Players are thrilled by the potential of the game, its ambitious roadmap, and the commitment of the development team. - Joy (weight 0.16): Players express joy over the return of their favorite pixel strategy game, appreciating the ability to play it again. The game's fun, unique deck-building, and tactical gameplay also contribute to this positive emotion. - Appreciation (weight 0.1): Players appreciate the game's stylish graphics, high-quality animation, and unique core mechanics. There is also significant gratitude towards the new developers and the community for their efforts in reviving the game. - Concern (weight 0.09): Players are concerned about the game's low player count, which impacts matchmaking and the overall health of the game. Slow development progress, a lack of new content, and balance issues also raise fears about the game's long-term viability. - Anger (weight 0.07): Anger arises from the perception that the game is heavily 'pay-to-win,' requiring significant spending to compete. Players are also frustrated by perceived developer incompetence, game-breaking bugs, and unfair mechanics like 'roping' (stalling tactics). - Nostalgia (weight 0.06): Players feel nostalgia when returning to play the game, recalling fond memories of the original Duelyst from 2016. The game's revival itself triggers a strong sense of longing for the past. - Hope (weight 0.05): Players express hope for the game's future, wishing for continued balance improvements, new game modes like draft, and a healthier player base. There is a desire for the new version to succeed and for developers to address existing issues. - Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Players find the game super fun, particularly enjoying the tactical aspects and balanced gameplay. The arena experience is also highlighted as a very enjoyable feature. - Happiness (weight 0.04): Players are happy that the game has been brought back, especially acknowledging the community's effort in its revival. Revisiting a beloved card game also brings a sense of happiness. - Love (weight 0.03): Players express deep affection for the game, often calling it their favorite collectible card game. They love its unique 'magic chess' style and everything about the experience. - Relief (weight 0.03): Players feel relief that the game's monetization has improved and that it is not perceived as a scam or pay-to-win. The presence of all expected content also contributes to this feeling. - Boredom (weight 0.02): Players experience boredom due to a repetitive meta and a perceived lack of variety in gameplay. The current state of the game is described as 'painfully boring'. - Gratitude (weight 0.02): Players are grateful to the developers for creating and, more recently, for reviving the game. This gratitude is directed towards the efforts made to bring the game back. - Sadness (weight 0.02): Players feel sadness that the game has 'recessed' instead of evolving, leading to an inability to recommend it. This suggests a disappointment with the game's current direction compared to its potential. - Annoyance (weight 0.02): Players are annoyed by slow progression, which is attributed to issues with AI and server lag. A repetitive meta that limits neutral minions also contributes to this feeling. - Encouragement (weight 0.02): Players express encouragement for the game to succeed, particularly by helping new players. There is a desire for the new iteration of the game to thrive. - Ease (weight 0.01): Players find the game easy to get into, appreciating that it is not overwhelming with information. This accessibility contributes to a positive initial experience.}