Arcane Wonders Forum
Mage Wars => General Discussion => Topic started by: Lord0fWinter on July 08, 2014, 05:58:17 PM
-
Academy is being pre-released at GenCon. It's a new, simpler, faster way to play and trust me, it's amazing!
I'll cover the rules and differences here and post spoilers as they get revealed.
What comes in the box
2 Mage Cards
2 Mage Ability Cards
2 Four-pocket Spellbooks
2 Status Trackers
131 Spell Cards
62 Markers
6 Attack Dice
1 Twelve-sided Effect Die
Rules and Codex
How much is it?
$29.99
When is it available?
There will be a limited supply available for pickup at GenCon.
It will be available in stores soon after.
What are the differences between Academy and Arena?
- As we all know by now, Mage Wars Arena is the regular way to play the game that we all know and love. It will continue to be fully supported with expansions and all that so don't worry.
- Academy is a new line of games within the same universe that uses the same mechanics. It is its own standalone game that simulates the Mages of Mage Wars when they are at the Academy learning their spells.
- Thus it is simpler, faster to play, and easier to teach. It plays in about 20-30 minutes but still feels like Mage Wars.
- You play without a board, with a single zone containing all of the cards.
- You still play with a spellbook and have the option to cast any spell out of it during your turn.
- It will have suggested spellbooks but will allow full customization of spellbooks, just like Arena.
- There will be expansions for Academy as well, introducing new Mages and new cards for it.
- All cards in Academy can also be used in Arena, but not all Arena cards can be used in Academy.
-
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Academy-Setup.png)
Mages
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Mages-PNG.png)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/4180076_orig.png)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/2526220_orig.png)
Equipment
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/1439611428.png)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/925410_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/6333090_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/7271308_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/9432104_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/5872569_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/1533003_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/8314563_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/4333926_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/2040475_orig.jpg)
Attacks
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/4373968_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/3616788_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/188705_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/7698509_orig.jpg)
(http://magewars.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/7/6/21761652/1063472_orig.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_5/sorted/2015_07_22_152_bda8c69557bd81006e46_5.jpg?is=true&ps=true&rand=934803450246)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Spells.png)
Two promos available if pre-ordered.
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/PROMOS.png)
7/1/15
SHRINK (http://www.arcanewonders.com/arcane-wonders/test-your-skills-shrink)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Shrink.png)
Dawnbreaker's Chosen + CONTEST (http://www.letslevelup.net/mage-wars-mondays-26-back-in-the-arena-again/)
(http://www.letslevelup.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dawnbreakers-Chosen.png)
Steelclaws (http://www.arcanewonders.com/arcane-wonders/test-your-skills-steelclaws)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Steelclaw-Cubs.png)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Steelclaw-Matriarch.png)
Johktari Hunting Knife (http://www.arcanewonders.com/arcane-wonders/test-your-skills-thats-not-a-knife-this-is-a-knife)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Johktari-Hunting-Knife.png)
Paralyzing Basilisk (http://www.arcanewonders.com/arcane-wonders/test-your-skills-paralyzing-basilisk)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Paralyzing-Basilisk.png)
7/22/15 (http://www.arcanewonders.com/all-about-academy)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Academy-101-Spellbook.png)
7/22/15 (http://www.arcanewonders.com/all-about-academy)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Academy-101-Spells.png)
Azurian Genie and Wynchwood Hound (http://www.arcanewonders.com/all-about-academy)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Academy-101-Attacking.png)
Wynchwood Faerie (http://www.arcanewonders.com/all-about-academy)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Academy-101-Defense.png)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3_8.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3_7.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_22_155_a89af73bad40cdd6c070.jpg)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Gator-Toughness.png)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Iguana-Regrowth.png)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Wolf-Fury.png)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3_2.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3_3.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3_4.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3_5.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3_6.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3_9.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_30_1_55d84a9a47070af8ee32.jpg)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_30_1_55d84a9a47070af8ee32_2.jpg)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Jade-Gremlin.png)
(http://www.arcanewonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Ridgeback-Skunk.png)
-
If it's balanced I'm all for it. I would be worried about aggro having an unfair advantage with it being only three zones and all, but if you can only cast spells at range 0-0 then it's probably fine. The metagame would be VERY different though.
-
This is interesting. I'm all for some new spells if they're compatible with the core game. Could be real useful for ambassadors.
-
3 zones? maybe this version it´s only throwing attacks to opponents without move, maybe good to teach bad seems a bit boring or similar a normal card game.
-
Common guys.
Its clear from the interview that this is for casual gamers who would like to learn mage wars.
Boardgamers doesnt need this introduction variant as they typically have experience in similar games, or atleast in alot of differnet games.
Big kudos for the approach with this 'game mode'. Adding in stuff i can use in regular MW while leaving more complex cards out in this variant, makes me wanna add this 'expansion' to my collection even though i consider myself a hardcore MW gamer.
My question is:
Will the 'teach mage wars' variant be obsolete for those with this expansion? (not that i will miss it.)
-
I would imagine that balance and comparability with the current card set are not included in the design goals for this set. It is something people will play once or twice and then move on.
-
I think it'll be worth picking up. It'll be most useful for getting new players interested in the game or enticing casual/younger gamers. But also useful for pulling out to play when you have a limited amount of time available.
Obviously strategies, metagame, cards and the rules are all going to be different since there are only 3 zones. But I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting it just for the fact that it'll be an easy way to teach people how to play as a stepping stone into the real game. If it's actually good, that'll make it even more worth it.
It was mentioned that "All cards from the Academy work with the other sets, but not all cards from the original sets work with the Academy expansion." So I'm sure they took into consideration that some cards are going to be really OP if they could be used in this.
-
They mentioned this somewhere (where? I can't recall - maybe GAMA?) a few months ago. Sounds like a bit more info now though, I'll have to watch the video.
My theory after first hearing about it is they'll use this to balance some of the issues floating around - novice, limited versions of teleport, dispel, etc. That way all mages can have access to "required" spells at a low cost. Did they discuss anything like that in the cool stuff video?
-
This initiative is great!
But what worries me is that it will be too far from the real game experience. It might be too simple and end up with a "roll-best-die-to-win-game".
New card are always nice though.
-
They mentioned this somewhere (where? I can't recall - maybe GAMA?) a few months ago. Sounds like a bit more info now though, I'll have to watch the video.
My theory after first hearing about it is they'll use this to balance some of the issues floating around - novice, limited versions of teleport, dispel, etc. That way all mages can have access to "required" spells at a low cost. Did they discuss anything like that in the cool stuff video?
Nope. It was more like LoW said above, streamlined rules for beginners, lower price point to lower barrier to entry for casual gamers with the ability to play with just 2 spell books (no board) in about 20-30 minutes. It honestly sounds a lot like a Mage Wars version of MtG with your Mage slinging spells and creatures duking it out in the red zone. Supposed to be fully compatible with the full game (though maybe not the other way around), so I would probably pick it up for the kids if nothing else.
-
They mentioned this somewhere (where? I can't recall - maybe GAMA?) a few months ago. Sounds like a bit more info now though, I'll have to watch the video.
My theory after first hearing about it is they'll use this to balance some of the issues floating around - novice, limited versions of teleport, dispel, etc. That way all mages can have access to "required" spells at a low cost. Did they discuss anything like that in the cool stuff video?
Nope. It was more like LoW said above, streamlined rules for beginners, lower price point to lower barrier to entry for casual gamers with the ability to play with just 2 spell books (no board) in about 20-30 minutes. It honestly sounds a lot like a Mage Wars version of MtG with your Mage slinging spells and creatures duking it out in the red zone. Supposed to be fully compatible with the full game (though maybe not the other way around), so I would probably pick it up for the kids if nothing else.
Right, they had that some of that awhile back. My theory was more hope and conjecture based on the fact that they're introducing new spells. It'd be interesting if they did release a bunch of novice utility spells.
Translation: I want novice arcane spells for the warlord. :)
-
As a true fan, i have only two questions.
a) Will this "cooperate" with standard mage wars (cards will be usable for both games etc.)
b) How much will it cost, so i can made some small changes in our family buget soon enough.
:)
-
As a true fan, i have only two questions.
a) Will this "cooperate" with standard mage wars (cards will be usable for both games etc.)
b) How much will it cost, so i can made some small changes in our family buget soon enough.
:)
If I remember correctly, Scott said that all MWA cards would be fully compatible with the full game, but there may be some already released cards that wouldn't work well with Academy. I think he also put the MSRP around $30 and they are hoping for release around Xmas or early next year.
-
Sold!
-
Nope. It was more like LoW said above, streamlined rules for beginners, lower price point to lower barrier to entry for casual gamers with the ability to play with just 2 spell books (no board) in about 20-30 minutes. It honestly sounds a lot like a Mage Wars version of MtG with your Mage slinging spells and creatures duking it out in the red zone. Supposed to be fully compatible with the full game (though maybe not the other way around), so I would probably pick it up for the kids if nothing else.
A MW version of MTG? I . . . could actually get behind that. That was kind of my impression too after watching the video.
Right, they had that some of that awhile back. My theory was more hope and conjecture based on the fact that they're introducing new spells. It'd be interesting if they did release a bunch of novice utility spells.
Translation: I want novice arcane spells for the warlord. :)
Yes please! FiF helps him immensely, but if he has to pay more than everyone else for stuff that's mandatory for all intents and purposes, he's still at a disadvantage.
-
Nope. It was more like LoW said above, streamlined rules for beginners, lower price point to lower barrier to entry for casual gamers with the ability to play with just 2 spell books (no board) in about 20-30 minutes. It honestly sounds a lot like a Mage Wars version of MtG with your Mage slinging spells and creatures duking it out in the red zone. Supposed to be fully compatible with the full game (though maybe not the other way around), so I would probably pick it up for the kids if nothing else.
A MW version of MTG? I . . . could actually get behind that. That was kind of my impression too after watching the video.
Right, they had that some of that awhile back. My theory was more hope and conjecture based on the fact that they're introducing new spells. It'd be interesting if they did release a bunch of novice utility spells.
Translation: I want novice arcane spells for the warlord. :)
Yes please! FiF helps him immensely, but if he has to pay more than everyone else for stuff that's mandatory for all intents and purposes, he's still at a disadvantage.
I'm not so sure about dispel and teleport still being mandatory for him, Harshforge could be a sufficiently useful alternative. I think it's too early to tell.
-
Nope. It was more like LoW said above, streamlined rules for beginners, lower price point to lower barrier to entry for casual gamers with the ability to play with just 2 spell books (no board) in about 20-30 minutes. It honestly sounds a lot like a Mage Wars version of MtG with your Mage slinging spells and creatures duking it out in the red zone. Supposed to be fully compatible with the full game (though maybe not the other way around), so I would probably pick it up for the kids if nothing else.
A MW version of MTG? I . . . could actually get behind that. That was kind of my impression too after watching the video.
Right, they had that some of that awhile back. My theory was more hope and conjecture based on the fact that they're introducing new spells. It'd be interesting if they did release a bunch of novice utility spells.
Translation: I want novice arcane spells for the warlord. :)
Yes please! FiF helps him immensely, but if he has to pay more than everyone else for stuff that's mandatory for all intents and purposes, he's still at a disadvantage.
I'm not so sure about dispel and teleport still being mandatory for him, Harshforge could be a sufficiently useful alternative. I think it's too early to tell.
Hmm, fair enough. Just personally, I don't think I'd want to run him without at least 2 dispels. Time will tell.
-
Actually i am curious about this idea, sure, the biggest problem with MW is that it is "too deep" for new players to get caught straight up, but thats what the game is about, complex Mage dueling!
We will see what is inside the box so i wont judge before i have more clues
-
I rather agree. As the number of Mages increase and the variety of spells and combos increase, the learning curve for new players is increasing. First in playing and understanding then with just the basic set being matched against suitable opponents. Especially seeing experienced players wipe the floor with you using all sorts of cards and combos you have not seen in the basic set.
Idea is to get people involved and excited. Moving from the academy to the apprentice mode is still a good step introducing the board, more room and a wider variety of spells. Once they hit the big league, hopefully they are hooked.
-
I don't know, as a previous MtG and Heroclix player, Mage Wars isn't that complicated. I mean sure there are combos and fun things you can exploit which makes the game awesome, but when you step back and realize there are only 357 unique cards in the game, many restricted to certain schools, the ceiling isn't nearly as daunting as in those other games with thousands of possible combinations. That said, I will never turn up my nose at getting more. I love this game! ;D
-
The problem isn't the ceiling, it's the floor.
-
I was on some magic tournaments in germany and i must say while the amount of cards you need to know to be "good at it" is way up and the ruling has some niches to be exploited , Mage Wars is just more to deal with (the mentioned floor, for example!)
Besides getting someone into magic with 2 easy starter decks is much easier and has less keywords than even the apprentice mode in MW
-
Going to post academy spoilers here instead of creating a new thread. See original post for list of cards revealed so far.
-
@lordwinter i would have gone with a new thread, since this one is from 2014
-
So we get an update here? That would be great. It is wonderful to have all the great spoilers in one place.
-
Was able to get a picture of the suggested spellbooks off of one of those Academy videos. Not the best quality but somebody with good eyes might be able to discern the names of some cards in the set. That doesn't really help figure out what they do but its better than nothing ;)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_22_152_bda8c69557bd81006e46_5.jpg)
-
If people agree on which spell they'd like to see previewed next, I'll totally do it for next week's preview ;-).
-
If people agree on which spell they'd like to see previewed next, I'll totally do it for next week's preview ;-).
How about "_____, King of the ____ _____" (6th creature on the Beasmaster's list)?
Or for a non-creature, how about "Wolf Fury" (? - last enchantment in the BM list)?
-
If people agree on which spell they'd like to see previewed next, I'll totally do it for next week's preview ;-).
How about "_____, King of the ____ _____" (6th creature on the Beasmaster's list)?
Or for a non-creature, how about "Wolf Fury" (? - last enchantment in the BM list)?
Slavorg, Fang of the First Moon was in one of the videos I believe. Regardless I saw him in another thread. He's pretty sweet.
-
Ah yes. More spoilers here:
http://forum.arcanewonders.com/index.php?topic=15739.msg53466#msg53466 (http://forum.arcanewonders.com/index.php?topic=15739.msg53466#msg53466)
Was able to get a picture of the suggested spellbooks off of one of those Academy videos. Not the best quality but somebody with good eyes might be able to discern the names of some cards in the set. That doesn't really help figure out what they do but its better than nothing ;)
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_22_152_bda8c69557bd81006e46_5.jpg)
The nature enchantments appear to be:
- Badger ____ (? - Bravery? Frenzy? Hard to read; have no idea what this does)
- Gator Toughness (? - enchantment version of [mwcard=MWSTX1CKQ03]Colossus Belt[/mwcard]? Or maybe weaker [mwcard=MW1E36]Rhino Hide[/mwcard]?)
- Iguana Regrowth (probably a weaker [mwcard=MW1E32]Regrowth[/mwcard])
- Joined Strength (see other thread)
- Panther Stealth (? - probably similar to [mwcard=MW1E28]Mongoose Agility[/mwcard] somehow without being identical)
- Tangle____ (Tanglesnare? - enchantment that causes Unmoveable? Would that do anything in Academy?)
- Wolf Fury (maybe an enchantment that gives Doublestrike? Or just weaker [mwcard=MW1E01]Bear Strength[/mwcard])
-
It is very hard to read, so voting on something that you do not know is kind of difficult. That said I would like to see an attack next. "Arcane missiles", when I read it correct, sounds interesting.
-
New gameplay videos spoil several cards.
http://www.arcanewonders.com/academy-videos (http://www.arcanewonders.com/academy-videos)
Dodge will probably replace or work nicely in combo with [mwcard=MWSTX2FFE04]Brace Yourself[/mwcard] in many spell books. They both have reveal cost of 0, both are Novice, so both only cost 1 sbp and 1 mana if using [mwcard=MW1Q09]Enchanter's Ring[/mwcard]. Nifty way to keep your most vulnerable Minor swarmy creatures alive, especially ones that are low on health and need to survive an attack to get more value out of them. On a Major creature, if your Dodge fails, then Brace Yourself can still be used.
Joined Strength is also nice for BM swarms (can transfer it from one Minor creature to another upon that creature's demise) but will also see play in Buddy builds, since it's kind of like a combination of Bear Strength and Lifebond, and it's so cheap to cast.
Question regarding Redcrested Cockatrice: "When (he) makes a counterstrike, he gains Melee +1 and his (quick) attack gains Piercing +1." Is that just for that one counterstrike, or does he keep those bonuses (for the rest of the round? for the rest of the match - e.g. put a marker on him?)? As written, it seems like it's a permanent bonus and would stack, so he could get really big through guarding.
Sistarran Robes is great for a mana-denial Wizard, turning [mwcard=MW1Q31]Mana Drain effects[/mwcard] (and others, like [mwcard=MW1E30]Pacify[/mwcard] and [mwcard=MW1E15]Essence Drain[/mwcard] and [mwcard=MW1J21]Suppression Orb[/mwcard]) into a mini-[mwcard=MW1I09]Drain Power[/mwcard] effect, stealing mana instead of just draining it. The lower armor is compensated by the cheap mana cost. Pairs nicely with a [mwcard=MW1Q32]Suppression Cloak[/mwcard].
-
No, it's temporary. He only gets the bonus while he's guarding. There is no permanent bonus.
-
Regarding the Azurean Genie, I like how his text ability is sort of like [mwcard=MW1J08]Hand of Bim-Shalla[/mwcard] with a 3-use cap. His text says "As his action, ..." Is that a quick action (e.g. can follow a move) or a full action? I realize there isn't a difference in Academy, but his text seems ambiguous in Arena - and given that this ability only works to buff creatures in his zone, whether or not he can move before spending a token is pretty important.
Similarly, I assume Wychwood Faerie's reference to "you" means your mage, so her mana discount on enchantments and animal creatures only applies to spells your mage casts and not those cast by your familiars (e.g. [mwcard=MW1C13]Fellella, Pixie Familiar[/mwcard]) or spawnpoints (e.g. [mwcard=MW1J10]Lair[/mwcard]) - similar to the wording on mana-discount equipment (but equipment can only be equipped on a mage, so it's clearer who "you" is in those cases).
-
Azuren Genie is a quick action.
You is in fact your mage on the Faerie.
-
Updated with cards from newest video.
Cards include Crumble, Divine Reversal, Joined Strength, Leather Chausses, Lightning Jolt, Piercing Thunderstrike, Slavorg, Fang of the First Moon, and better quality images of the Redcrested Cockatrice and Sistarran Robes.
-
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3.jpg)
Comparing Crumble to [mwcard=MW1I07]Dissolve[/mwcard], the only difference I see involves targeting an equipment rather than a mage... and the 2 mana reimbursement. So... Crumble isn't countered by Nullify AND it's effectively cheaper (or at least, you get some of the mana back). Am I missing something? Seems like it makes Dissolve obsolete.
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3_4.jpg)
There's a "pants" slot now? And I guess this means none of our Arena mages have been wearing pants... :o
(http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2015_07_28_1_308569c0885716eb12f3_9.jpg)
I like that this guy gets better as the match goes on. And I love his built-in [mwcard=MWSTX2FFI06]Defend[/mwcard] that doesn't cost an action! Definitely makes a swarm of cats a lot more interesting! [mwcard=MWSTX1CKC04]Makunda[/mwcard] alone doesn't do it for me, and Cervere is kind of a lone wolf... er, cat...
-
Crumble is also a full action. To me, that still leaves dissolve as the go to
-
Piercing thunderstrike looks like a pretty awesome attack spell for 6 mana with piercing 2 regardless of the 0-1 range.
-
The card that I am most excited about from Academy so far is Fang of the First Moon. It gives a BM swarm build a much stronger followup.
In terms of the enchantments, I'm not expecting much from Iguana Regrowth. Most creatures small enough for the cost to not be prohibitive don't have that much armor, and for large creatures I prefer stronger sources of healing anyway. I may use it in Academy, but I don't see myself using it much in Arena.
Gator Toughness is much more interesting to me. It gives us a way to make a small or medium sized creature significantly harder to kill, and provides a nice middle ground between Bull Endurance and Rhino Hide. It should also be good on larger creatures, but I'm particularly intrigued by how much better it looks for small creatures than previous enchantments doing similar things. I can see it being a solid choice on Fellella or Huginn.
I wonder whether Wychwood Faerie will be worth the full action in Arena.
-
Crumble is a huge hit to the anvil throne warlord.
-
Crumble is also a full action. To me, that still leaves dissolve as the go to
Ah, i missed the full action cost. That explains it. Still, pretty awesome.
-
Almost everyone misses the full action cost when they first look at it. But that full action is key to making the spell viable, both in academy and arena.
-
@iNano78, you're right they introduced a new equipment slot! Since they have a slot for shoes but not socks, and pants but not underwear, I'm guessing the mages fight in their underwear (an maybe a bra too) until they have equipment on. That might sound terrible at first, but consider that if bikinis are acceptable to wear sometimes, and the bottom piece of a bikini is basically underwear, and the fact thy mage wars is both a sporting event in Etheria and somewhat like wrestling or martial arts competitions, then it sort of starts to make sense. I mean, otherwise they could hide things in their pockets, like mana flowers, or something, on their way into the arena. Alternatively, the equipment temporarily replaces or covers whatever they're already wearing. If the latter is case, then at the very least they enter the arena with socks, boxer shorts or a thin kilt or something, and a shirt or a bra. But honestly, that stuff can get damaged by acid balls too.
-
The mental picture of a "full metal dwarf" wearing Gauntlets of Strength, Reflex Boots, Harshforge Plate chest piece, Helm of Command, Veteran's Belt... and a bikini bottom... because they didn't think there was a need for pants till now... hmmmm...
Are Leather Chausses legal in Arena? That is, is the "breeches" slot now available in Arena too, or is it strictly an Academy equipment slot?
P.S. Nice to finally see an equipment that uses the Shield slot specifically (rather than "or" or "and") in that Elk Stave, which is more-or-less the Nature version of Wand of Healing.
-
I have to admit I'm surprised by all the additions to Academy that didn't previously exist in Arena. When I heard what the design goal of Academy was, I expected a lot fewer keywords, simpler cards (e.g. less card text; more cards with symbols only), less multi-card combinations and interactions (like what we see on Steelclaw Matriarch and Slavorg), etc. While there certainly are fewer keywords and conditions, there are many I didn't expect to see (e.g. Dissipate, Elusive, Pest, Aegis, Defenses, Legendary, Unique, Epic) and even even some new ones (e.g. Stagger, which is a little like Daze and Stun but different; a new "breeches" equipment slot).
Even the complexity of card text and card abilities is higher than some Arena analogues. Iguana Regrowth, Wolf Fury and Gator Toughness are all more complicated than their Arena counterparts, generally combining the straightforward Regrowth, Bear Strength and Rhino Hide with Bull Endurance. Similarly, Crumble is like a combination of Dissolve and Meditation Amulet. I expected, and wouldn't have minded, reprints of simple "staple" cards like Bear Strength, Rhino Hide, Regrowth, Dissolve, Dispel, Seeking Dispel, Minor Heal, Block, Nullify, and many of the "Novice" spells like Leather Gloves, Leather Boots, several Incantations, etc. Or simply weaker versions, like Whatever +1 instead of Whatever +2 (for Bear Strength, Rhino Hide, Regrowth, etc). But instead we often get new cards with Whatever +1 AND another benefit. That's great... but certainly not simpler.
In addition, and seemingly more complex than similar Arena cards, we have Azurean Genie, who puts the benefits of Hand of Bim-Shallah (but better, at the cost of his action and range-restricted) on a creature ... except he's even more flexible in some ways since he can Stagger an opposing creature if he doesn't have a friendly nearby! Slavorg is the first non-Incantation card (e.g. besides Resurrection/Animate Dead) that cares about your discard pile, plus he has a built-in Defend effect. And for compatibility with both Arena and Academy, many cards have different/additional effects depending on creature level (including defining Major and Minor creatures) or mage level (something that used to be a single-valued constant), which adds a lot to the card text (e.g. lots of spoiled cards with 3+ lines of text).
Overall, while Academy might have more streamlined and quicker game play than Arena, I wouldn't say it's much less complex. It forgoes conjurations, the deployment phase and the planning phase, but the cards require just as much (if not more) reading, and there are lots of combos to build around. I'm excited for this product, both as an expansion to Arena and as its own standalone game (that I might play with people who aren't interested in long Mage Wars matches - e.g. my spouse) but I'm not sure it will appeal to the desired target audience that it was originally designed for - e.g. new players who were intimidated by the complexity of Arena.
-
It looks to me like an easy to learn, hard to master kind of expansion/game/thing. The gameplay mechanics are simplified so you're fighting the turn order/arena/movement less and can concentrate on what the cards do instead. Movement around the arena and keeping track of all the phases is a pretty big part of Arena.
I can see where you're coming from, but I'm not sure it would feel like mage wars if the cards themselves were less complex. I also feel that The keywords are fairly intuitive. We'll see how it pans out, I guess. I'm actually really excited for it, but I also note that I'm not the target audience.
-
I have to admit I'm surprised by all the additions to Academy that didn't previously exist in Arena. When I heard what the design goal of Academy was, I expected a lot fewer keywords, simpler cards (e.g. less card text; more cards with symbols only), less multi-card combinations and interactions (like what we see on Steelclaw Matriarch and Slavorg), etc. While there certainly are fewer keywords and conditions, there are many I didn't expect to see (e.g. Dissipate, Elusive, Pest, Aegis, Defenses, Legendary, Unique, Epic) and even even some new ones (e.g. Stagger, which is a little like Daze and Stun but different; a new "breeches" equipment slot).
I agree that it doesn't feel as simplified as I expected. Time and sales will tell whether the design goals were met.
-
i see it that way: most of Arena fans will buy it to at least get the cards(so it's good for Arcane Wonders). Once it is bought it can be presented to people that don't know Mage Wars or it was to big to start for them (chance to get more people in to Academy and/or Arena). While it is shorter and portable version then Arena it will fill up some space that Arena rather can't do, so after all it's good move. If i only have occasion to play i will open Domination or Arena mode, but in some cases Academy will be better/only option :)
-
I have to admit I'm surprised by all the additions to Academy that didn't previously exist in Arena. When I heard what the design goal of Academy was, I expected a lot fewer keywords, simpler cards (e.g. less card text; more cards with symbols only), less multi-card combinations and interactions (like what we see on Steelclaw Matriarch and Slavorg), etc.
I actually expected something like this. Even though the cards aren't much simpler, I expect the game will be. The spells itself can be confusing sometimes, but you can learn the meaning by just asking it.
Overall, while Academy might have more streamlined and quicker game play than Arena, I wouldn't say it's much less complex. It forgoes conjurations, the deployment phase and the planning phase, but the cards require just as much (if not more) reading, and there are lots of combos to build around.
One of the hardest things to master in Arena is positioning. When an experienced player is playing a game with a new guy, it can be extremely frustrating for them not being able to hit the enemy. (After which they won't want to play MW again.) Everybody can count mana and deploy an appropriate creature at the right time. And without (sometimes way too long) planning phases, games will be much faster. :)
Even for Arena fans the game can be much fun if you just want a quick game before going to bed.
I believe that in Academy new players can have a relatively good match with a frequent player.
-
Played Academy last night. Super fun way to play Mage Wars.
-
Spellwise this "expansion" is much more appealing to me than domination. What I have seen so far is perfect. On top you get a mage wars version that can be played in 20-30 minutes. What could one wish more for? That expansion exceeds so far my expectations - and by the way those have been quite high. So congratulations to the whole Arcane Wonders team including the playtesters. Great work!
-
On the Facebook page today, we have:
- "Rajah, Jungle's Talons" (sp?): 11 mana, legendary cat with Elusive, 1 armor, 11 life, 4 attack, piercing +1? (hard to read)
- "Packleader's Cowl": 3 mana, equipment takes up both helm and cloak slots, +1 armor, once per round during the mage's activation, lets you spend mana equal to Minor creature's level to give it a guard marker. Doesn't take up an action.
- "Kajarah": 3 mana boomerang-like weapon with a quick action attack (presumably ranged ** Fingers are crossed because this is what the Johktari BM really needs**); also has an ability that triggers if a friendly animal creature takes damage (although much of the text is covered up in the photo).
-
I like the Packmaster's Cowl. It should work well with the Johktari Hunting Knife, and it makes Pet Timber Wolves stronger.
Rajah looks like a solid creature. Built in elusive is always nice. I just wish that video had audio instead of a high pitched whining noise.
I wonder what the Kajarah is.
-
I like the Packmaster's Cowl. It should work well with the Johktari Hunting Knife, and it makes Pet Timber Wolves stronger.
Rajah looks like a solid creature. Built in elusive is always nice. I just wish that video had audio instead of a high pitched whining noise.
I wonder what the Kajarah is.
Semi-confirmation on FB that Kajarah has a quick-action ranged attack. But the mana cost of 3 is so low... probably only 2 attack dice or something. Or considering there are (at least) 2 of them in the photo, I wonder if it has Dissipate - like you can use it a few turns, like a returning boomerang, but eventually you lose it (?). Or perhaps you can only use it if the conditions in the text are met (which looks like "If a friendly animal ... damaged the target ... gains ..." Pure speculation at this point.
-
Hey guys! Hoping to get some academy spoiler videos released after gen con!
-
Are the rules release yet? If not, that is the next spoiler I would like to see.
-
I'm comparing Wychwood Fearie with Tataree.
They basically have the same special ability (giving mana to its owner), same health, same attack, almost the same defence (favour for Tataree), same armor, both are Pest.
For just two more mana Tataree gets both flying and is Quick summoned. Seems quite good to me. Am I missing something?
-
Since there is a shit tons of level 1 cards in academy, while all they come in 6 copies?
-
From what have been said so far I think card count for level 1 will be 3. Compare with the max. strength for steelclaw matriach with her cubs.
-
I hope i will not get shot on the backyard for treason, when there are ton of academy coresets sold already.
Max number of lvl 1 spells in one spellbook is 3 copies of level 1 spells for Academy and 2 copies of any higher level spells.
-
In Academy, you can have 3 copies of a level one spell, and 2 copies of higher level spells. The card counts in the academy set are based on that. We wanted to provide the academy player the best experience possible while making things simple for existing players.
-
Any chance of getting the rules posted as todays spoiler? That would be awesome.
-
In Academy, you can have 3 copies of a level one spell, and 2 copies of higher level spells. The card counts in the academy set are based on that. We wanted to provide the academy player the best experience possible while making things simple for existing players.
131 spell cards --> 50 new unique spells?
-
In Academy, you can have 3 copies of a level one spell, and 2 copies of higher level spells. The card counts in the academy set are based on that. We wanted to provide the academy player the best experience possible while making things simple for existing players.
131 spell cards --> 50 new unique spells?
If memory serves there are about 56 new spells. I might be off by a couple but that should be about right.
-
Counting by hand I get 56 also. But, yeah, error prone methodology.
-
Updated with spoilers of all equipment and attack spells.
In addition, part 1 of my review, containing an overview of Academy, how to play, the Mages, equipment, and attack spells, can be seen -->HERE<-- (http://magewars.weebly.com/general-discussion/academy-review-part-1)