An early access code was provided, and many thanks to Plan of Attack.
Skygard Arena: A Tactical Strategy Game Worth Your Time
Skygard Arena, a tactical RPG that has recently entered Early Access on Steam, is making a strong bid for the attention of strategy enthusiasts with its deep, thought-provoking gameplay, available in both single-player and multiplayer modes. If you enjoy testing your strategic skills while yelling, “Why did I move there?!” at your screen, Skygard might just be your next obsession.
Rich Lore
Set in the fractured realm of Skygard, a world once united but now shattered into floating shards due to a cataclysm (because when do cataclysms ever mildly inconvenience anyone?), five factions now battle for supremacy. The story centers around an ancient crown, the coveted prize in the Grand Tournament of the Ancients, think of it as an interdimensional Super Bowl ring but with more magic and existential stakes. Will the crown unite the realm or devolve the world into a celestial brawl? You’ll need to play to find out.
Single-Player Campaign
The single-player campaign initially serves as an immersive tutorial before branching into diverse missions, from defeating all enemies to capturing strategic pillars. Newcomers can opt for a guided introduction to the mechanics or jump in and learn through the classic “What does this button do? Oh, I’m dead” approach. This flexible learning curve ensures that whether you’re a meticulous planner or a “click first, regret later” gamer, Skygard’s campaign preps you for the real test: Arena mode. From brainy brawls to survival missions against waves of enemies, each scenario introduces a new layer to your strategy (and adds a few more lines to your forehead).
The single-player mode also offers an opportunity to become better acquainted with the champions through dialogue scenes around a campfire. Each champion is rich with unique personalities and backstories, enhancing the narrative depth.
Arena Mode
Once you’ve tackled the campaign, welcome to Arena mode, where every duel is like an intense game of chess with sore losers. Here, 3-on-3 champion combat revolves around capturing pillars to accumulate victory points or, if you’re feeling daring, making a bold play to seize the enemy’s main pillar while leaving your own exposed, risking everything for glory.
Prepare to map out your strategy meticulously, only to have your opponent throw a wrench the size of a trebuchet into your perfect plan. Arena mode is thrilling, high-stakes, and a perfect way to trick yourself into thinking you’re smarter than you really are.
Champions, Personas, and Tactical Headaches
At launch, players have access to a variety of unique champions, each with distinct skills and passive abilities. For example, an agile archer can manoeuvre around the map and fire a piercing shot, while a sniper excels at long-range attacks and can summon a turret to hinder enemy progress. There’s even a burly panda champion that can jump on enemies and push them around the map. The true challenge is forming a trio that works harmoniously in combat. Each champion comes with two Personas, like having dual alter egos, adding even more layers to strategizing.
Every turn is a calculated dance involving movement, skill usage, and ultimate abilities. Artifacts add further complexity, modifying a champion’s stats or bestowing quirky passives, making matchups as intricate as a Rubik’s Cube.
Facing the AI
The game’s AI comes in two flavours: Classic AI, which takes a more straightforward approach, and Experimental AI, which strategizes like a Bond villain. Even at lower difficulties, the AI doesn’t take it easy on you, and at the highest setting, brace yourself for defeat after defeat. It’s an excellent way to practice without facing human players who might send you smug GIFs post-victory.
The Future of Skygard Arena
Skygard Arena is set to evolve throughout its Early Access period, with planned additions like new champions, maps, and more single-player campaign chapters (currently, there are three). The developers are actively seeking player feedback, so if your suggestions are well-received, you might even shape the game’s future, perhaps by convincing them to add a champion who wields buzzsaws.
Final Thoughts
Skygard Arena makes a strong first impression in Early Access, bursting onto the scene with the enthusiasm of a first-round gladiator. It offers tactical depth and rich storytelling that should appeal to strategy fans. The single-player campaign is engaging, and while Arena mode can be as nerve-wracking as a surprise pop quiz, it rewards careful planning. Personally, I found facing the AI both challenging and fun, preferable to competing against human players, which would likely lead to a series of humbling defeats and quiet logouts. The single-player experience was definitely my preference. Whether the narrative or the strategic showdowns draw you in, Skygard Arena offers something for every tactician. It’s a promising start for an Early Access title. Skygard Arena is now available in Early Access.
Do you like our content? Support LadiesGamers on Patreon!
Check out our Tiers and Benefits and join us.