Dominate the battlefield with the power of the seasons. The world of innovative deck-building games depicted by 'Solnox” [gamescom]

``Solnox: Grimoire of Seasons'' (hereinafter referred to as Solnox), which is being developed by ByteRockers' Games, is being exhibited at the German game show ``gamescom 2024'' . We asked Maximillian Graustein, marketing manager of ByteRockers' Games, to explain the details of this game, so let us share with you the details.

"Solnox" is a so-called deck-building roguelike game. Players control three characters and fight while strategically utilizing the four seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter, as well as a fifth pseudo-season called ``Corruption.'' The biggest feature of this game is its seasonal strategy and system that allows you to control three characters with one deck.
The game progresses using a node-type map similar to ``Slay the Spire'', and the player's choices greatly affect the subsequent development. About 200 types of cards
are used to build decks and face off against a variety of enemies.
Solnox - Grimoire of Seasons | Teaser

The core of "Solnox" is the

seasonal system

This system always requires players to play proactively. You need to play while considering the current season, the next season, and your own hand, which leads to a high level of strategy. Players must always be aware of the ``decision chain'' as one card play changes not only its effect but also the environment for the next turn.



The players control three characters:
Tank, Rogue. A unique feature is that these characters are controlled by one deck. Each character has a unique card pool that reflects their play style.

, and Wizard

The deck consists of three types: basic cards, seasonal cards, and character-specific cards, and new cards will be unlocked as you play. It is also possible to customize the deck to suit your play style, greatly expanding the range of strategies.
With this system, players need to build decks by taking into account not only the combination of cards but also the synergies between characters. The choice to bring the best character to the forefront according to the situation and use cards that take advantage of that character's strengths adds depth to the gameplay.




The enemy characters are also one of the charms of this work. A total of 33 types of enemies from 4 enemy factions will appear, and the most notable one is the enemy with the ability to spread "corruption." These enemies create a terrain of "corruption" on the battlefield, putting players at a disadvantage.

However, "corruption" is not just an obstacle. It has the aspect of a ``double-edged sword'' that can become a powerful weapon if used properly, and by strategically utilizing this, you can advance the battle more advantageously. The "corruption" terrain damages the player, but it also affects the enemy, so how to handle it is the key to strategy.

With this system, the battlefield is constantly changing dynamically, so players need to devise strategies while adapting to the environment, which makes the game highly replayable.

What is noteworthy about the game design of "Solnox" is that it presents a complex system in a way that is intuitively understandable. The seasonal system, multi-character system, and "corruption" system each have deep strategic aspects, but they are also implemented in a visually easy-to-understand manner. Players can play intuitively once they understand the basic rules, but as they progress through the game they will realize the depth of strategy and aim for more advanced play. This learning curve design seems to have the effect of lowering the barrier to entry for new players while also maintaining the long-term interest of experienced players.



Card balance adjustments are also worth noting. Approximately 200 types of cards are categorized into basic cards, seasonal cards, and character-specific cards, and these cards interact with each other. This variety increases the strategic nature of the game, but at the same time careful balance adjustments have been made to ensure that certain combinations do not become too strong.

During the development of ``Solnox,'' they focused on deeply incorporating the concept of ``seasons'' into the gameplay. The system in which each season directly affects strategy was designed as the biggest feature of this game. The implementation involved many technical challenges, such as customizing the game engine and developing a unique simulation tool.




In particular, implementing a system that controls three characters with one deck was something that traditional deck building game frameworks couldn't handle. In response, ByteRockers'Games has developed its own card game engine that allows for the simultaneous operation of multiple characters.

It seems that the issue during development was adjusting the "corruption" system. Initially, it was implemented as a mere nuisance, but through repeated test play, it was discovered that it could be used strategically. In response to this, "corruption" was redesigned and became an element that greatly increases the depth of gameplay. This flexible development approach can be said to have created the uniqueness of Solnox.

The story of ``Solnox'' depicts an adventure in which three characters discover the root of the ``corruption'' that is eroding the world and defeat it. The story is gradually revealed through events at each node and post-battle conversation scenes.

What is noteworthy is that this narrative structure is closely tied to gameplay. The player's choices affect the development of the story and change the relationships between characters. Each character has a backstory, and depending on the player's choices, the relationships between the characters may change or a different ending may occur.

This allows players to deepen their attachment to the characters as they progress through the game, allowing them to have a more immersive experience. Additionally, through the theme of ``corruption,'' the story indirectly deals with issues in modern society such as environmental destruction and human greed, which adds depth to the story.

"Solnox" is currently in the beta stage, but balance adjustments and new content are being added while actively incorporating feedback from players.

``Solnox'' is trying to breathe new life into roguelike games with its original concept of manipulating the power of the four seasons and a system that allows you to control three characters with one deck. Gameplay, where seasonal changes are directly linked to strategy, offers new discoveries each time you play, and can be expected to be highly replayable.

The PC version of this work is scheduled to be released in 2025. A new roguelike world, interwoven with the changing seasons and the threat of "corruption", awaits players.

Mr. Graustein concluded as follows: "'Solnox' is a new type of roguelike game that combines a high level of strategy with a deep story. We hope you will experience the unique world view interwoven with the changing seasons and the threat of 'corruption.' I hope you find your own strategy in the world of Solnox!”
By the way, ByteRockers'Games plans to exhibit this work at the Tokyo Game Show to be held in September. It is said that the Japanese version will be on display, so those who are going to the venue should actually try playing it.



Maximillian Graustein. He is also planning to come to Japan to participate in the Tokyo Game Show

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