Strategy based card games are nothing new by any stretch of the imagination. I myself play Magic: The Gathering by Wizards of the Coast and Munchkin by SJG. However in recent years, the tangible aspect of the card game has been transferred to the world of the video game – in many guises, the more famous being the Pokemon series. With EA's new release for the PC, Battleforge, the idea of the card based strategy/role playing game has just shuffled a new deck.
 
The concept behind Battleforge is a simple one; build decks that represent military units, spells, heroes and buildings and take on specific goal based missions or go head to head against your friend and other players. These cards are also highly collectible and one of the greatest assets of the game is an ability to trade these cards with other players in order to complete that all conquering deck of cards. As more expansions are released in the future so more cards will become available for trade. I believe this is one aspect that will allow Battleforge to feel so unique – the game is essentially about defeating the game by completing missions and other players in one on one duels yet another non combat facet whereby you slowly hone your skills and your deck in order to develop your own brand of tactics to bring you victory. Will you be a highly offensive player, striking quickly to bring your opponent down or will you be more defensive, cautious, slowly building your forces methodically? There really is a myriad of fighting and playing styles to be exploited suited to your own style of gaming.
 
The cards represent four powers and style of deck that you can build; Fire, Frost, Nature and Shadow. Each of these four forces have their own unique and distinct cards and your decks will be shaped around what faction you choose to represent (check out the excellent Battleforge website at the end of the article for an in-depth look at the background of the four factions)
 
The driving force behind the online play of Battleforge is in its diversity and its rich fantasy based background and ethos. I am a sucker for the fantasy genre and I have been truly impressed by the rich background that has been created for the game. The diversity comes from the view that you're not playing as one single hero or controlling unwieldy armies but have everything you will need for the battles ahead in your one deck of twenty cards. If your nose is bloodied after an encounter maybe its time to go trade a few of your cards in, see what gems you can pick up in the market place, perhaps engage in a few one on one encounters to hone your skills or try out new or radical tactics. The possibilities are truly endless as are the combinations of cards that you will be able to mould to construct that perfect deck.
 
Battleforge is now available worldwide and can be bought online or at your local video game retailer. The main pack will allow you to create your first decks as well as providing you with points that allow you to purchase booster packs in the future to further augment your hand in battle. So get out there and start building armies, unleashing torrents of magical awe and wonder and bring your opponent to their knees with Battleforge.
 
For further information and resources, visit the excellent official Battleforge website here