Summary

• Release Year: 2011
• Genres: Adventure, Card & Board Game, Indie, Puzzle, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
• Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Developers: Mystic Box
• Publishers: Mystic Box

Runespell: Overture (2011)

Runespell: Overture is a role-playing game (RPG) developed by Ascaron Entertainment and published by Kalypso Media. It was released for Microsoft Windows in 2011. The game is set in an alternate medieval Europe, where players take on the role of the Changeling, the son of a monster god, in search of his nemesis.

Runespell: Overture is a unique RPG that combines poker mechanics with power ups and collectable cards. Players battle enemies by playing poker hands, and can use power ups and cards to improve their chances of winning. The game also features a deep and engaging story, with multiple endings depending on the player’s choices.

Setting

Runespell: Overture is set in an alternate medieval Europe, where the world is divided into two realms: the mortal realm and the Otherworld. The mortal realm is home to humans, elves, and dwarves, while the Otherworld is home to monsters, demons, and gods.

The game’s story begins in the mortal realm, where the player takes on the role of the Changeling, the son of a monster god. The Changeling is searching for his nemesis, the Shadow King, who is responsible for the death of his mother.

As the Changeling travels through the mortal realm, he encounters a variety of characters, including historical figures such as Charlemagne and Joan of Arc. He also encounters Norse gods and creatures, such as Thor and Loki.

Gameplay

Runespell: Overture is a turn-based RPG. Players control a party of up to three characters, and battle enemies by playing poker hands. Players can use power ups and cards to improve their chances of winning.

The game features a variety of different poker hands, each with its own unique effects. For example, a pair of aces can be used to deal double damage, while a full house can be used to heal the entire party.

Players can also collect cards that can be used to give their characters special abilities. For example, the “Berserker” card can be used to increase a character’s attack power, while the “Healer” card can be used to heal a character’s wounds.

Story

Runespell: Overture features a deep and engaging story, with multiple endings depending on the player’s choices. The game’s story is divided into three chapters, each of which takes place in a different part of the mortal realm.

In the first chapter, the Changeling travels through the forests of Germany, where he encounters Charlemagne and his army. In the second chapter, the Changeling travels to the frozen wastes of Scandinavia, where he encounters the Norse gods Thor and Loki. In the third chapter, the Changeling travels to the Holy Land, where he encounters Joan of Arc and her army.

At the end of each chapter, the Changeling must face a powerful boss enemy. If the Changeling defeats the boss enemy, he will be able to continue his journey. If the Changeling is defeated by the boss enemy, he will have to start the chapter over again.

The game’s ending depends on the choices that the player makes throughout the story. If the player makes good choices, the Changeling will be able to defeat the Shadow King and save the world. If the player makes bad choices, the Changeling will be defeated by the Shadow King and the world will be plunged into darkness.

Reception

Runespell: Overture received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics praised the game’s unique gameplay and deep story, while others criticized its repetitive combat and lack of polish.

Despite the mixed reviews, Runespell: Overture was a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Game of the Year award at the 2011 German Video Game Awards.

Conclusion

Runespell: Overture is a unique and engaging RPG that combines poker mechanics with power ups and collectable cards. The game features a deep and engaging story, with multiple endings depending on the player’s choices. Despite its repetitive combat and lack of polish, Runespell: Overture is a worthwhile experience for fans of RPGs and poker.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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