Not nearly as deep or re-playable as games like Spectromancer and Magic the Gathering the longevity for this title is contained exclusively in a one-time venture through campaign mode.

Astral's card system is original and engaging for the limited time that you will spend with this title but entertaining enough to merit the game's reasonable price.

Summarizing, cards are dependent on how far forward or backward they are placed. The one's in back take less damage but may not be able to reach the enemy cards.

With each passing of turns more side line cards become available as you build resource to use them but might rather spend the resource on smaller hitters as opposed to allow it build up and apply it towards more powerful cards.

To maintain the balanced and steady challenge campaign unlocks new cards as you progress across the story's map. Had all cards been offered from the start the first three quarters of the campaign would be a cake walk.

I have not noticed a skirmish or multi-player mode.

If you're looking to get started with a card game I suggest Bellatorus Deluxe, Spectromancer or Magic the Gathering 2011 however, if like me you already have those three, this is a worthwhile addition to your collection and a must buy if you can catch it on sale.

Graphics: Not much to say here, the graphics are pretty simplistic and can probably run on a machine well below the system requirements listed. This is not to say the game is hard to look at, when in fact the style is quite charming. 7/10

Sound: The sound effects are the typical Oof and Arg that appear in many games, and the music is passable fantasy fare. Nothing offensively bad, but nothing mind-blowing either. 7/10

Gameplay: This is where the game really shines. The main gameplay is that of a "card" game that revolves around the position of your units and the enemy's units on a 3x4 grid. You each have a back row and a front row, and can strategically place units and buildings on any of the six slots closest to you. It can become somewhat addictive, leading to the "one more battle" mentality that keeps one up late into the night. The other part of the game play is an awkwardly scrolling map with icons that represent different events/battles. 9/10

Feel: The game has a high fantasy theme, with goblins, trolls, golems, etc. all in attendance. There is some influence from the popular card game Magic: The Gathering, which can be seen in places like the "summoning sickness" your units experience when they are first put on the board (meaning they can't attack the first turn, ala Magic). The immersion is hurt somewhat by the translation, which leaves something to be desired. 7/10

Value: I purchased the game on sale, and would say it was definitely worth the $4.98 price tag at the time. There's a demo available you can try first, with few restrictions. 8/10

Overall: The game was worth the purchase, has addictive gameplay, decent replay value, and a familiar high fantasy theme that players will instantly relate to. The hardest part for me was the translation, which was due to non-native developers and could be improved upon in future games by this company.

8/10

PvP is very fun. This game from apus software, made Spectromacer deveropper. All 202 card, creature, structure ,structure enchant, spells.This game DEMO can playing PvP by internet with full game (DEMO have limit).Each card have sapecial features. Summon creature ,build structure ,enchant tower, tower addon, tower upgrade, player can chose many way. And battle field is separate front/back line. It is very deep strategic. But, visual effect is very poor. Though , maybe Deveropper will be going to improve it by addon or other. I heard Apus by mail. They are very friendly and lovee this game.