ArmaGallant Decks of Destiny Interview: Real Time Strategy Meets Deckbuilding

Card battlers are not something that the PS4 is known for but Maximum Games’ ArmaGallant: Decks of Destiny stood out when it arrived on the console. Not only that but instead of competing with Hearthstone, it actually mixes some MOBA and real-time strategy elements together, offering tactical advantages in the environment and whatnot. What is most unique about ArmaGallant though?

GamingBolt spoke to communications manager Joscelyn Willett of Maximum Games to learn more about this intriguing card battler.

"The game has a very quick tutorial that rewards players with a significant amount of gold for completion. A level up system attempts to match similarly experienced players with each other."

It’s not often that we see a card battler utilizing MOBA and RTS mechanics. What inspired the concept behind ArmaGallant: Decks of Destiny?

Marrying the two genres of RTS and Deckbuilding seemed to provide the best of both worlds for those who love card games, but want a faster paced experience. The mix of strategy and dynamic combat seemed like a perfect blend for this game.

Can you talk about how exactly a typical match plays out?

All players choose cards from their unlocked deck, meet each other in either a 1v1 or 2v2 a match, and begin the game. Each summoner must use cards from their deck in order to create monsters and spells using a regenerating limited-resource mana pool. Players can use the environment to maneuver themselves into a more advantageous position, such as taking on objectives or hiding in forests. Upon objective captures and the defeating of monsters, a ticket counter depletes on the enemy side. Once a counter is completely depleted, the other team is declared the winner. Experience and gold is given to unlock and level up more cards.

Balancing any single genre is difficult but how do you manage to maintain balance between so many in ArmaGallant?

They don’t feel like separate genres in the game; instead, they add balance to one another and cohesively play out together, adding to the gameplay without making it feel disjointed.

Have there ever been occasions where the player with superior deck play can win out against, say, one with better ability usage or tactics? How do all these varying gameplay mechanics lend to different styles of play?

Yes, it is possible. However, more experienced players will almost always have the advantage regardless of the deck they choose.

"Marrying the two genres of RTS and Deckbuilding seemed to provide the best of both worlds for those who love card games, but want a faster paced experience."

For newer players, all the various systems may come off as intimidating. How does ArmaGallant help ease newbies in?

The game has a very quick tutorial that rewards players with a significant amount of gold for completion. A level up system attempts to match similarly experienced players with each other.

Tell us about the micro-transactions and how ArmaGallant avoids any pay-to- win scenarios.

ArmaGallant does not allow any micro-transactions. All cards must be earned upon their prowess in battle.

Will you be looking into any special modes in the future aside from straightforward 1v1 or 2v2 battles?

We don’t have plans for additional modes at this time.

Could you tell us a bit about how matchmaking works in ArmaGallant?

Similarly ranked players will be matched with each other. Players can also invite each other into 1v1 or 2v2 games.

What are your thoughts on some of the competitors in the market like Hearthstone and newer upcoming titles like Gwent?

We prefer not to comment on competitive titles.