For those of you interested as well there's an extensive website with background material, artwork and some of the actual game mechanics here. If you pre-order on 'Cyber Monday' you get a free alternate card which is a nice touch...especially if like me you were planning on buying it anyway...
Though the game play is obviously important what attracts most people to theses kind of games is the artwork. Here's some links to examples of the three existing factions cards for your perusal...
If any of that has wet your appetite then you'll probably want to know what's in the box. According to the website that's this...there's also a brief overview of what to expect from the game...
Battle for Sularia: The Battle Begins™ is a 20-minute, sci-fi themed strategy card game with multiple play modes –
- 2 player head-to-head constructed
- 2-4 player draft
- 2+ player casual constructed
The fast-paced action in our exciting sci-fi setting, makes this game perfect for ages 14 and up.
Your faction's survival is depending on you! Gain influence, mine sularium, establish sites, and deploy your combatants to defeat your foes! Victory is yours when your opponent’s health is reduced to zero. However, if you have initiative, and are first to act in a round, you must be careful. Battle for Sularia® is a round-based card game, and if your opponent is off-initiative, or second to act in a round, they have a chance to strike back and snatch your victory from the jaws of defeat by reducing your health total lower than theirs!
- Multiple Play Modes – With one Battle Kit starter box, you and a friend choose to play as either the Jotune or Synthien, using one of two pre-constructed 60 card play decks to battle in a head-to-head 2 player game. With 60 additional cards in the Battle Kit, players can further customize their play decks using our innovative "60/90" constructed deck system by simply having a minimum of 60 cards in their play deck, while spending no more than 90 construction points. For those who love to test their mettle against their friends in draft formats, just one Battle Kit box gives you everything you need for an action packed 2-4 player draft! To host an 8 player draft, simply combine two Battle Kit boxes for an entire night of drafting excitement! Offering a wide variety of play modes, each box is fully expandable for a variety of casual play modes – one box supports up to 2 players in casual mode, but there is simply no limit on how many players and formats are available with additional boxes.
- Construction Point Values – Unique "60/90" deck construction system. Each card has a construction point value of 1 to 4 points. Each deck must have a minimum of 60 cards and a deck cannot exceed a total construction value of 90 points. This system pushes the envelope on deck construction and ensures a high level of value for all cards within the set, making each card a valuable asset.
- Two-resource System – Engaging two-resource system which includes influence and sularium. Influence increases as you, the Battle Commander, gain experience each round, and gives you the manpower resources necessary to establish sites, which are part of your burgeoning stronghold. Sites are your primary sularium generators, which is the essential resource needed to deploy combatants, the lifeblood of a growing army. Launch covert sorties or massed alpha strikes against your opponents' sites and reduce their stronghold and life to ashes! Gain influence, mine sularium, deploy your troops, and defeat your foes to become the preeminent Battle Commander on Sularia!
- Round-based Game – Simultaneous combat! The round isn't over until each player takes their turn. Don't rest assured of your victory until both players finish their turn!
- Art and Lore – In addition to action packed game play, Sularia is an exotic new world with a storied past and a host of mighty heroes! Experience novel content, spectacular visuals, and the drama unfolding as warring factions battle for Sularia!
Thoughts and comments are (as usual) most welcome
