EndCycle VS Reviews

EndCycle (EC) doesn't scratch the same itch as Mega Man Battle Network (MMBN). I have 2 major issues with this game. [h3]Combat/Cards[/h3] Both EC and MMBN use cards for actions. [b]EC:[/b] players can choose from 12 cards in real-time, but each has a cooldown period. This system lacks excitement due to the repetitive use of the same cards. [b]MMBN:[/b] around 5 cards are randomly drawn from a deck of 30 at the start of a battle and at timed intervals. That introduces a luck factor which invokes a feel-good monkey-brain response. Overpowered cards can also exist because of low draw chances and also invokes the same response. During the card selection process, combat is paused and up to 5 cards can be selected as long as they share the same name or letter code. This allows time for newcomers to learn each card's function and for veterans to strategize. [h3]Enemy Design[/h3] [b]EC:[/b] enemy design is hectic. Enemies don't have clear telegraphs for their actions. It seems like they simply move and use cards in a mostly random fashion making it difficult to devise strategies. That type of enemy behavior would only be available in the mid-to-late game for only a few enemies in MMBN. Maybe they have some sort of pattern to them, but it's not easy to discern. Also, to balance the 12-card system, high-health enemies are needed which slows battles down. [b]MMBN:[/b] enemy complexity ramps up gradually. In the early game, there are only 2 enemy types: 1 stationary and 1 mobile, and there can only be up to 3 enemies per fight. Only 1 enemy can move at a time, and attack only when the player is in the same row. The combat is a bit like "rock-paper-scissors". Both starting enemy types have cards designed specifically for their defeat. A straight line 40 DMG attack for the 40 HP mobile enemy. And a slow 60 DMG throw perfect for the 60 HP stationary enemy. This design leads to quick victories with the right cards.