A card game in which one common deck for the entire group of heroes? The developers from MonteBearo were able to bring this to life in their colourful game called Banners of Ruin! Assemble your invincible team and embark on a dangerous adventure through the darkest nooks of Dawn’s Point City.
Cute animals that will bite you
The first thing I would like to draw your attention to is the visual component of the game. Our heroes and enemies are represented by different types of animals such as bear, hare, wolf, weasel or beaver. Each of them has unique abilities that are reflected in their fighting styles. This also applies to enemy units – when meeting rats, be prepared to be poisoned with deadly poison!
The developers were not lazy and devoted their efforts to draw the most insignificant details – the movement of characters (even in the hero selection menu), animated events and a memorable entourage of dangerous streets and intersections. Choosing one of the three options for further advancement of your group looks like a real movement around the city, the game has an atmosphere of danger and surprise.
Your undefeated party
As mentioned earlier, the player has one deck and the ability to hire and play several heroes at the same time. If one of them dies, then the rest will use the remaining cards (only those that the deceased character could use are lost). At the same time, squad members have their own levels, weapon cards and talents, which are obtained separately. The maximum level is 8th, and each new level will give you the opportunity to choose talents and passive skills.
Weapons and armour can be obtained separately, and you can equip the hero as you like – make him a well-protected warrior, capable of withstanding any onslaught of opponents or a skilful archer who covers your group. Combinations of talents, passive skills and weapons will create a unique character, with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Get ready for real challenges! The game does not forgive mistakes, and your group can finish its path very quickly – opponents try to use their skills against you very effectively. It is possible to lose a squad member in one turn, so be prepared to try to beat the game over and over and do not unnecessarily expose your party to hazards.
If your attempt ended in failure, do not rush to get upset. For each run you get experience and tokens, for which you can open new cards and skills. Experiment and success will surely await you!
The game is already available in Early Access on Steam and despite its status, it is already quite playable and will give the player a lot of exciting hours.
Summary:
Our reviews are based on five criteria that allow us to give the most accurate assessment of the game. Gameplay displays the main features of the game, mechanics and overall player’s game interaction. Narrative reveals the main storyline, well-written dialogue and the impact of the player’s actions on the world around them, as well as the atmosphere. Graphics shows how well a game looks visually, regardless of type and perspectives. Sound is how well the dialogue and sounds of the game are sounded, as well as how the music and soundtracks accompany the game. Last but not least, Controls are how comfortable they are and allow the player to expect full control over their character.
Total Score – 80/100
- Gameplay – 8/10
- Narrative – 8/10
- Graphics – 8/10
- Sound – 8/10
- Controls – 8/10
Pros&Cons
+ Stunning artstyle
+ Party-based deckbuilding
– RNG will kill you very often
– Lacking content