GB Feature: Runespell: Overture Review
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In Runespell, gameplay is split between three different modes - an overland map mode, where you travel point-to-point encountering enemies and quest objectives, a town mode where you can trade with merchants, speak to various characters about the game's story and background, and pick up quests and side-quests. If you've ever played Puzzle Quest before, there isn't much new to see here, but it keeps things simple and works just fine. Unlike Puzzle Quest, progress is more linear and there are fewer side-quests, but this helps to keep the pace of the game moving forward.
It's once you get into combat that Runespell's biggest and most obvious hook shows up. Its "mythic poker" battle system makes up the majority of the gameplay, and is by far its most compelling aspect. Battles are always one-on-one, with cards laid out solitaire-style on each side, and three moves allowed per side during each round of combat. On the most basic level, you'll be spending much of your time forming hands of cards from your solitaire deck; complete a hand, and you'll gain the ability to launch an attack. All standard poker hands apply, though their damage varies: while a simple full house will inflict a solid 15 damage, manage to assemble a royal flush and you can deal a whopping 50 damage in a single attack. As most enemies have more hit points than you do, you'll need to be very efficient in how you play.
