Skygard Arena the champions

Skygard Arena Demo Impressions

Code provided with many thanks to Plan of Attack.

Skygard Arena: A Deep Dive into Strategic Combat

Steam Next Fest brings with it a wave of new demos, and if turn-based tactical RPGs are your thing, Skygard Arena should be on your radar. I had the chance to try the demo, and here’s what I found.

Skygard Arena offers a glimpse into a game that combines fast-paced skirmishes with deep strategic gameplay. Players assemble a team of Champions, each equipped with unique Personas and Artifacts, creating thousands of possible team combinations. Whether you’re battling AI opponents or engaging in online PvP, every turn feels significant as you manoeuvre your Champions in dynamic, chess-like battles.

Introductory Missions

The demo begins with four tutorial missions designed to ease you into the game’s mechanics. One of the Champions serves as your guide, walking you through the basics and offering tactical tips. Each turn allows you to move a Champion, attack if they’re in range, and perform a secondary action.

One of the more interesting aspects of Skygard Arena’s mechanics is the flexibility in how you execute these actions; you’re not restricted to a set order. You can attack first, then move, or vice versa, depending on what the situation calls for. Each Champion can also charge up a special attack, best unleashed at a critical moment.

Skygard Arena introductory mission
One heck of a brave soldier

Champions

The Champions in Skygard Arena each come with a unique move set, making them stand out in both style and gameplay. For example, there’s a sniper-like character who can attack enemies from long range and follow up by placing a sentry to trap unsuspecting opponents. Then there’s a wizard, capable of decent movement and draining health from a distance, though more vulnerable to attacks. Each Champion can also carry an artefact, which changes their gameplay mechanics rather than simply boosting stats, allowing for deeper customization. Additionally, each Champion has two Personas, further altering their skills and playstyle. This offers countless ways to experiment and build your ideal team of three.

Enter the Arena

Once you’ve completed the tutorials, you’re ready to step into the arena. You can either take on AI opponents or challenge players in online PvP. Each player chooses three Champions to enter the arena. Victory can be achieved in two ways: either by accumulating a set number of victory points, which are earned by capturing pillars scattered across the map and holding those positions, or by capturing your opponent’s main base for an instant win. However, the same risk applies to your own base, so the strategy is key.

The game feels particularly well-suited for methodical gamers who enjoy thoughtful, strategic planning. Although I avoided online multiplayer in favour of facing off against the AI, I didn’t fare much better. The demo’s primary focus is on showcasing multiplayer, which is interesting. Still, it’s a shame the game doesn’t yet offer a taste of its single-player campaign, something I might have enjoyed more.

Skygard Arena pvp mode
sadly the panda won’t negotiate with a hug

Fantasy Aesthetics

Visually, Skygard Arena makes a solid first impression. The fantasy setting and detailed Champion designs from a wise old wizard to a brutish dragon-like character create a visually engaging experience. The arena itself is accompanied by a beautiful, epic soundtrack that complements the strategic nature of the gameplay.

What’s to Come

The full version of Skygard Arena promises a roster of 12 Champions, each with distinct personalities and playstyles. There will also be a single-player campaign with handcrafted missions for those who prefer solo play. The developers are committed to updating the game post-launch, with no pay-to-win mechanics in multiplayer, a refreshing promise for competitive gamers.

Skygard Arena pick a champion
The unusual suspects

Final Thoughts

While multiplayer might not be for everyone, the potential in Skygard Arena is clear. The developers have clearly invested significant effort into crafting a game with deep strategic elements that fans of the genre will appreciate. And for those like me, who may be more inclined toward single-player content, there’s a promising campaign on the horizon. Be sure to check out the demo and consider adding the game to your Steam wishlist. It helps the developers and gives you a chance to dive into this intriguing tactical RPG.

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