Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC (via Steam, version reviewed)
Genre: Card-Battling, RPG, Roguelite, Anime

Inti Creates is a Japanese independent game developer known for its extensive history of creating 2D action games with anime aesthetics. Notable works include Azure Striker Gunvolt, Gal Gun, Blaster Master Zero,” and Mega Man. The studio is set to release its latest game, Card-en-Ciel. The game boasts over 300 unique cards with different characters, 50 unique vocal songs and a 6×3 playfield. The game is a delightful amalgamation of various genres rolled into one. With its promise of providing an enjoyable, challenging experience and flexibility for both deckbuilding aficionados and newcomers, Card-en-Ciel is shaping up to be a highly anticipated title.

Recently, we had the chance to check out the game’s demo and after resuming the full release, Card-en-Ciel does not disappoint! The progress made on the demo is automatically transferred to the full game so you can start from where you left off. The narrative centres around the intriguing character of Neon Nanashiki, a savvy Gaming Chair Detective, who delves into the VR world of Rust Tactics. In this vibrant, cyberpunk adventure, Neon joins forces with Ancie, a brilliant and insightful game developer, to unravel a puzzling anomaly. This bizarre malfunction is causing characters from various games to bleed into the Rust Tactics universe, leading to unexpected twists and challenges.

Gearing Up

If you played the demo version, rewards for each dungeon conquered are given in the form of Decode Tokens. These invaluable tokens, located in the Enhance tab of the menu, can unlock an array of exciting plug-ins. From cheat codes to boosts that increase your max HP and enhance the chances of treasure chests appearing, these enhancements will give you the perfect head start on your journey through the MOD dungeons.

Each adventure begins on the first floor, armed with a Muse Card. You’ll have a handy map icon to guide you, showing both your location and the enemies lurking nearby. Will you bravely take on multiple foes or dash straight to the boss? The choice is yours! This sense of freedom not only adds an exhilarating twist to the gameplay but also encourages exploration at your own pace. As you delve deeper, prepare for larger maps, more intricate rooms, and fiercer challenges, creating an increasingly intense and rewarding experience with every dive.

When you engage in battle, you’ll have the opportunity to play five cards each turn. These cards will be shuffled randomly and are subject to a maximum Cost of 3 (Turns). This means you can select any card provided that its Cost value is lower than the available Cost you have at that moment. For example, a card with a Cost of 1, like 5 Break, or a card that deals 14 Damage with a Cost of 2.

Once your energy is depleted, you’ll need to carefully strategize your next moves before the enemy takes its turn, following the highlighted grid. At a basic level, combat involves deciding when to use specific cards for dealing damage and when to use cards for movement. A solid strategy is to utilize Break cards until the counter reaches zero, allowing you to deal double damage to the enemy with Damage cards in your hand.

Alternatively, if the highlighted grid covers the entire area, you can diminish the enemy’s attack power using Break cards, but be mindful of your available Cost energy simultaneously. While it may seem repetitive to battle enemies in different areas, you’ll need to adjust your playstyle based on the type of enemy you encounter, making strategy a crucial element throughout your journey.

New & Familiar Faces

Although the dungeons remain largely the same, the storyline provides a meaningful progression from one dungeon to another. Initially, Neon investigates the MOD dungeons within Rust Tactics, collecting Error Fragments to stabilize the game and restore order. The story takes a twist in the second part when the main villain appears, stealing the Error Fragment and opening MOD dungeon portals in the real world. This twist introduces more dangerous territory filled with stronger enemies.

Among the standout dungeons are Gal Gun Double Peace and Tactical Communication. Gal Gun Double Peace is a standalone rail shooter game from Inti Creates, released in August 2015. In this game, players shoot girls with pheromone shots, sending them into a state of euphoria, similar to the mechanics seen in Card-en-Ciel. It’s exciting to see Inti Creates include these characters in a crossover, making it memorable for both fans and newcomers.

Next is Tactical Communication, a fictional tactical RPG where “old dudes and young girls team up on the battlefield.” In this game, the girls are the ones doing the fighting, as they are more skilled soldiers. The main characters, Haurat and Arnaldo, work together on the battlefield, with Haurat serving as the Muse card. This card provides special effects and skills that can power up other cards, increasing their power and HP stats. Even on Easy mode, these two characters present formidable challenges, making dungeon completion quite difficult.

The way you play your Muse cards and use the cards you’ve collected influences your success. You’ll need to gather more cards by defeating smaller enemies before facing Haurat and Arnaldo directly. If you find yourself lost on the battlefield, even after using your three available lives, you will reset to the first floor and have to battle your way back up to the third floor. It’s important to note that you will still earn Experience Points even after losing, which can be converted into Decode Tokens to assist you in your next playthrough.

Every battle victory allows you to recruit one card from among three available choices. Additionally, clearing a room gives you the option to increase your HP or place a card that grants a buff when battling nearby. Positioning a Muse in the room enables the character to perform at the beginning of a battle, granting you special skill energy, which is a significant advantage when facing tough enemies. It may take some time to master the gameplay mechanics and rhythm to truly enjoy the game, but the variety of playstyle options will attract any deck-building enthusiast to Card-en-Ciel.

Mixed Reality

If I were to find a flaw, it would be the storyline. Although the voice acting is impressive, the plot is linear and predictable. It is not the game’s strongest suit compared to its mechanics, so don’t expect a compelling narrative unless you appreciate bright anime aesthetics and action sequences featuring anime waifus. However, as you navigate from room to room, you can listen to Neon and Ancie engage in dialogue about the dungeon, although this conversation can sometimes feel repetitive.

Moreover, the procedurally generated 6×3 playfield dungeons are all the same design layout, colour scheme, and environment. The main difference indicating you’re in a new dungeon is the banter between Neon and Ancie, which provides some background on the game’s lore and includes occasional humour.

Card-en-Ciel strikes a perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment. Even with its roguelike elements, starting over doesn’t feel punitive. The music is pleasant, and the characters are visually appealing. The storyline offers an immersive visual novel-style experience. For those new to the deck-building genre, this game provides an excellent introduction without overwhelming players with its technical aspects, complemented by charming anime visuals and catchy music from collected Muse cards. It’s a great entry into the deck-building world that will keep players coming back for more.

Pros

• Catchy music from Muse cards.
• Crossover characters from Inti Creates’ past titles.
• Challenging but not overwhelming.

Cons

• Predictable storyline.
• Same dungeon layouts throughout the game.

Final Score: 80/100

Review copy provided by the publisher. Card-en-Ciel will launch on 24 October 2024.