Etherstone, an evolving card game created by designers Virginio Gigli and Simone Luciani, and illustrated by Paolo Voto, has achieved significant success on Kickstarter. With a goal set at $32,554, the campaign has already garnered $53,576 in pledges from 811 backers, and with 22 days remaining until its conclusion on March 28, interest continues to grow.
Set against the backdrop of Nobura, a planet enveloped in mystery and the lore of a cosmic being’s sacrifice, Etherstone introduces players to a world where life is interwoven with nature through the Etherstones. These stones shape the planet’s biomes and connect all living beings, setting the scene for the game’s narrative. However, Nobura faces the threat of the Vacuous, a destructive force challenging the players to strategize for survival.
The gameplay involves players assuming the roles of faction leaders, rallying their forces against the looming extinction. Victory is achieved through summoning cards, overcoming threats, and effectively utilizing abilities. The game starts with players drafting their hand of 7 cards along with a leader card, introducing strategy from the very beginning. Each leader card has a set number of life points, a strength value, and a unique ability that influences the game’s dynamic.
Etherstone features three types of cards: Followers, Rituals, and Technology, each offering different strategies for players to explore. The game unfolds in turns, with players choosing one action per turn, including dice drafting for resources, summoning cards, attacking threats, resting, or forming a Void Pact to recover from defeat. These actions contribute to the game’s complexity and variability, ensuring a unique experience each time.
The dice draft mechanic, where players select dice to gain Etherstone tokens, is a central element, requiring strategic decision-making that affects the game’s outcome. This mechanic, along with the diverse range of actions available, emphasizes the game’s strategic depth.
