Here at Card Gamer, it’s no surprise that we’re big fans of Collectable Card Games (CCGs) and Trading Card Games (which are functionally identical – they’re just named slightly differently!).
Yet, even we have to admit that it can be a real struggle to keep up with new releases and the ever-evolving meta of each game, which changes depending on what’s in vogue in the current legal card selection.
It’s why deck building games such as Star Realms, Turf War and even licensed titles such as Star Wars: The Deck Building Game can be so satisfying – not only do they have CCG style, competitive card play, but they also weave deck building into the game itself, rather than it being an element that happens outside of actual play.
You can check out our recommendations for the best deck building card games – and even take a look at our article ‘What Are Living Card Games?’, to see another, slightly different approach to CCG style mechanics, shorn of the randomness of booster packs.
We at Card Gamer have also learned of a new game, recently announced for launch in 2024, which looks to once more bring the CCG experience to tabletops without the endless drain on the time and wallets of players.
Readers, it’s time to introduce you to Chroma Arcana.
What Is Chroma Arcana?
Created by UK-based game designer Mo Shawwa, Chroma Arcana is a fantasy-themed competitive card game.
Though primarily – like most CCGs and TCGs – designed for one-on-one, competitive play, Chroma Arcana will also feature a co-operative variant for up to six players.
Set in the desert kingdom of Aredhel, Chroma Arcana takes inspiration from Arabian culture, giving it a unique visual aesthetic, distinct to much of the medieval style, Western trappings of many fantasy games.
Each card in Chroma Arcana features watercolour-style art, provided by a variety of different artists.
As a Palestinian designer looking to bring more Arabian representation to gaming, Shawwa’s rich and diverse setting is also refreshingly inclusive.
How Do You Play Chroma Arcana?
Though the concept of duelling mages, seeking to reduce their opponent’s life total to zero, may seem familiar, both the setting and the game’s self-contained card pool does set it apart.
At the outset, players use the game’s aforementioned pool of cards to create their deck.
Once their deck has been put together, the players then take turns to place spells in their spell book, before charging them up – using other spells – and then casting them.
Unlike games such as Magic: The Gathering, you’ll know what spells your opponent has in their deck; each player’s spell book is public knowledge.
With this in mind, players can look to anticipate their opponent’s plans and counter them appropriately.
The near-perfect information makes the meta of each game’s decks the focus; the problems of netdecking or having to overcome the richest player at the table – who has been able to spend the most money on acquiring their cards – don’t exist in Chroma Arcana.
Who Is Chroma Arcana For?
Players who enjoy other CCGs and TCGs – games such as the perennially popular Magic: The Gathering, for example – will find a lot to like in Chroma Arcana.
Importantly, Chroma Arcana’s base game – and, if you are looking to expand beyond playing against just one opponent, the multiplayer expansion too – will contain all the cards you’ll ever need, in contrast to other CCGs and TCGs.
When Is Chroma Arcana Due To Be Released?
Set for launch in 2024, Chroma Arcana will first head to Kickstarter for crowdfunding, with the campaign currently projected for late 2023/early 2024.
You can sign up to be notified of the Kickstarter launch for Chroma Arcana on publisher Roc Nest Games’ website, at this link – and you’ll even have the chance to get the multiplayer expansion for free when you sign up too!
It looks very promising indeed – and we here at Card Gamer are eagerly awaiting the chance to get our hands on Chroma Arcana.
We’ll bring you more information on the game as the Kickstarter launch approaches – so stay tuned and follow us on our social media channels to keep informed!
