Review: Dragon Eclipse
Dragon Eclipse Review: A Flawed Yet Intriguing Addition to the Deckbuilding Genre
As I settle into my leather armchair, adjusting my vintage Montblanc fountain pen, I find myself contemplating the latest entry in the ever-expanding pantheon of deckbuilding roguelikes.
Overview
Dragon Eclipse, developed by the relatively unknown studio Fardust, attempts to carve its niche in the saturated deckbuilding market by melding traditional card-based mechanics with creature collection elements. While the ambition is admirable, the execution leaves something to be desired for those of us who have experienced the genre’s finest offerings.
Mechanical Analysis
The core gameplay loop revolves around assembling a team of three “Mystlings” – charming creature companions that wouldn’t look out of place in a more casual affair. However, beneath the whimsical exterior lies a surprisingly nuanced combat system. Each Mystling brings its unique abilities and dedicated card pool to your deck, creating interesting strategic possibilities that even the most jaded deckbuilding aficionado might find intriguing.
The energy system, while conventional in its implementation, provides a solid foundation for decision-making. Though I must note, it lacks the innovative spark found in more sophisticated titles like “Gordian Quest” or the criminally underappreciated “Phantom Card.”
Strategic Depth
The game’s progression system presents an interesting dichotomy. While the act-based structure creates natural breaking points for deck evolution, the necessity to restart with a basic deck between acts feels rather pedestrian. One can’t help but think of the more elegant solutions implemented in “Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales.”
The creature collection aspect adds a layer of meta-progression that, while engaging, doesn’t quite reach the heights of its obvious inspirations. The Mystling evolution system shows promise, but the limited pool of creatures at launch somewhat constrains the potential for truly diverse strategic approaches.
Production Values
The visual presentation is… adequate. The hand-drawn aesthetic exhibits a certain charm, though it falls short of the polish found in genre-defining titles. The UI design demonstrates competent information hierarchy, but certain elements – particularly in the overworld navigation – feel unrefined.
The sound design and musical score are serviceable, if not particularly memorable. One does wonder if a more ambitious audio direction might have elevated the overall experience.
Notable Shortcomings
Several issues warrant mention:
- The balance between different Mystlings feels somewhat uneven
- The overworld movement system is decidedly clunky
- The early-game card pool lacks the depth one expects from premier entries in the genre
- Certain UI elements feel unpolished, particularly on non-standard display configurations
Final Thoughts
Dragon Eclipse occupies an interesting position in the current deckbuilding landscape. While it introduces some genuinely intriguing mechanics and shows flashes of brilliance in its design, it falls short of true excellence. The foundation is solid, but one can’t help but feel that with additional refinement and content, it could have achieved something more remarkable.
Taking one final note with my fountain pen before concluding this analysis…
For enthusiasts of the genre seeking something new, Dragon Eclipse might warrant attention, particularly at its modest price point. However, those expecting the next “Slay the Spire” or “Monster Train” may find themselves wanting more.
Pros:
- Interesting creature collection mechanics
- Solid core gameplay loop
- Promising strategic depth
- Reasonable price point
Cons:
- Limited creature pool
- Uneven balance
- Clunky overworld navigation
- Some rough edges in UI/UX
Best enjoyed with a fine Earl Grey and an open mind toward new interpretations of familiar mechanics.
Score
Overall Score: 7/10
Developer: Fardust
Release Date: Jun 24, 2024
Steam Page: Dragon Eclipse