Arcomage

In the stand-alone version a single player can play against a computer opponent, or two players can play via a LAN or TCP/IP connection. Arcomage uses the fantasy themes of the game in which it is set. Developed by Stickman Games. The game was sold to 3DO.

• Title — Arcomage • Developer — New World Computing • Publisher — The 3DO Company • Series — Might and Magic • Released — 1999 (M&M VII) 2000 (M&M VIII) 2000 (stand-alone) • Genre — Card game • Modes — Single-player, Multiplayer • Platforms — Microsoft Windows

Arcomage takes the form of a tabletop game, in which there are two players, each with a deck of cards, a "tower" and a "wall", as well as several other variables that determine whether they win or lose, and what cards they can play. As Might and Magic is a single-player game, one would always play against an AI opponent - making the game relatively easy to win. Players take it in turns to: • Draw the appropriate number of cards to complete their 6-part deck (one or more cards would have been played or discarded during their previous turn) • Either play or discard a card, depending on their options - in some cases discard will be the only option available, as the player might not have the appropriate number of "gems", "bricks" or "recruits". • If their chosen card allows it, play again and/or choose a card to discard. Every tavern has its different victory conditions, so players must adapt their styles for different situations. A game could end in one of the following ways: • A player's tower has been reduced to 0 • A player's tower has achieved a "height" of X (value depends on Tavern) • A player accumulates X amount of resources (value depends on Tavern) As well as having a "Tower", "Wall" and Deck of Cards, each player also has: • "Quarry" - controls how many "bricks" are gained each turn • "Bricks" - spent on brick cards • "Magic" - controls how many "gems" are gained each turn • "Gems" - spent on gem cards • "Dungeon" - controls how many "recruits" are gained each turn • "Recruits" - spent on recruit cards Arcomage employs a wide range of cards, each with their own name, effects and picture. Several cards were added to the original deck in Might and Magic VIII. Examples include: • Faerie (recruit card): 2 damage (to enemy tower/wall); play Again. Cost: 1 recruit. • Portcullis (brick card): +5 wall; +1 dungeon. Cost: 9 bricks. • Sanctuary (gem card): + 10 tower; +5 wall; gain 5 recruits. Cost: 15 gems.