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I think I posted about Etherlords somewhere else in this category. In any case, it's a kind of combination Heroes of Might & Magic/Magic: The Gathering (in its computerized, Microprose version).
There are nine scenarios of increasing complexity and difficulty for each of two sides, with each side representing two allies. (That way, when you play one side, you actually play with two greatly different decks of cards, according to the scenario.)
The graphics are extremely attractive, being fully animated, and in 3D. The object can vary from scenario to scenario, but it's generally a matter (as in HOMM) of gathering resources and visiting "stores," which involves fighting stationary beasts, or mobile enemies.
Run over a beast or enemy, and your hero moves to a combat screen. There, you and the foe cast spells on a turn-by-turn basis using decks of cards, with a random draw determining which five cards in your deck are coming to the top at any time. There are many types of spells; mostly summoning ones, but also curses, blesses, attacks, etc. One great simplification from the M:TG game is that each player's turn consists of playing cards; there are no specific rules for when you can play sorceries, instants, lands, etc.
The variety of animations for any given monster type or spell is a delight, and the enemy plays quite well. You can also go into multiplayer mode, and play duels with decks you build against dozens of opponents who have their own decks. Damn good game. [img]smile.gif[/img]
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