A tactical card game in 3D with diverse battlefields and turn-based strategy gameplay focused on 1v1 skirmishes where victory depends on exploring the battlefield, gathering resources, capturing strategic points of interest, and defeating enemies.
Background story
Pentus is a chaotic world brimming with crystal energy. Outside of the
Gameplay details
In Crystal Companies, players build decks before skirmishing. A skirmish starts with players drawing an initial hand of cards and squaring off on procedurally generated maps with the goal of destroying the enemy command post.
Playing cards can create 3D characters or manifest spells on the playing field. Every deck includes support operations that generate Imperial Notes, which along with Crystal, are used to play cards.
Captain cards are also requisite in every deck, and unlike other creature cards, they can be replayed for an increased cost if defeated in battle.
Unlike traditional card games, Crystal Companies requires that players navigate 3D environments, thus limiting the impact of the luck of the draw on the outcome of the game. Each turn, players have to decide whether to attack, explore, defend, or improve their economic situation through gathering crystal or making upgrades to their support operations.
Different game modes can have different win conditions, but the two most common ways to win are to destroy your opponent’s command post or by capturing all build sites on a given map and holding them for a complete turn cycle.
To become an expert at Crystal Companies, one must not only master the craft of deck building but also understand the advantages of different build orders and strategies depending on the environmental conditions (which can even include
Additionally, Crystal Companies will also have a companion terrain editor for those who want to create their own maps.
Key features
- Cards that instantiate 3D characters, structures, and spells in dynamic procedurally generated environments.
- 300+ cards and several factions in the debut set that can be mixed and matched to customize unique decks for near-limitless strategies.
- Variable terrain that includes weather events, natural disasters, different elevations, impassable and semi-navigable terrain conditions, and themed ecoregions.
- One-versus-one AI and multiplayer online game modes, with additional modes to come.
About developer
Boreal Games is a team of three Mainers who, along with a retinue of talented freelance artists, are caring about creating immersive, connected, and replayable games that provide wholesome and sustainable fun.
Bradley is the team’s primary programmer. Bradley develops code for card mechanics, server and database communications, and major game features.
Devin is the team’s community manager, writer, and art coordinator. Devin maintains our social media accounts, writes CrysCo’s lore, and works with our awesome freelance artists.
Will is the team’s UX designer. Will designs and integrates user interfaces, creates 2D and 3D art assets, and handles implementing code for user interaction.
Release date & platforms
Crystal Companies will initially launch on Mac and PC in 2020 via Steam. The outcome of a Kickstarter campaign launching on April 9, 2019, will impact development speed and expansions to new platforms.
In the meanwhile have a look to our overview section to discover cool turn-based games.
