Eternal Card Game
- November 15, 2018
- Dire Wolf
- 150h median play time
Get on Steam"Eternal Card Game" is a free-to-play strategy card game that combines fast-paced combat with deep, strategic gameplay. The game offers a wide variety of cards and game modes, all of which can be played without payment. Players can build any deck they can imagine, with no restrictions, and can even compete in real-money tournaments. The game boasts a smooth, intuitive digital design and a generous economy, making it a great choice for both new and experienced card game players.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Eternal offers a generous free-to-play model, allowing players to earn cards and packs without spending money.
- The game features a variety of mechanics and strategies, making it engaging for both casual and competitive players.
- The developers are responsive and frequently update the game, balancing cards and introducing new content.
- The game suffers from power creep, making older cards less viable and often requiring players to spend money to stay competitive.
- Players often experience mana screw or flood due to the large deck size, leading to frustrating gameplay.
- The matchmaking system can be unbalanced, frequently pairing new players against those with fully optimized decks.
- gameplay1,383 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Eternal is often described as a blend of Magic: The Gathering's strategic depth and Hearthstone's streamlined interface, featuring unique mechanics that leverage the digital format. While many players appreciate the variety of mechanics and the ability to interact during opponents' turns, some express frustration with the mana system, which can lead to inconsistent gameplay experiences due to power flooding or screw. Overall, the game is praised for its generous free-to-play model, engaging mechanics, and a diverse meta, making it a compelling choice for fans of card games.
“Eternal combines the best aspects of hearthstone and magic: the gathering; it has hearthstone's flow and quick gameplay, but also magic's flavor, depth, and overall feel in terms of deck types and strategies.”
“The gameplay is fun, a slightly different twist on the genre from the other games, nothing groundbreaking and you can't go wrong if you don't mind the usual 'annoyances' that mtg style card games offer (like mana-flooding/-screwing and fliers).”
“The gameplay is not only similar, but updated for the digital age with some mechanics that can only be done thanks to the advent of a digital space.”
“I fail to wrap my mind around the decision to include these, and perhaps that's simply a failure of imagination, but getting power stuck/swamped has cost me more than one game where a 'mana' mechanic would not have.”
“The actual gameplay feels like a dumbed down version of Magic: The Gathering with some mechanics that can't be done with physical cards.”
“First of all, extreme resource variance, known within the community as power screw and flood, determines an unacceptable amount of games, and the tools to mitigate this given within the game, both as cards and game mechanics, haven’t been enough to solve it.”
- story297 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the ongoing narrative and lore that unfolds through weekly missions and campaigns, while others find the storytelling lacking depth and engagement. Many reviews highlight the generous rewards system tied to daily quests and missions, which allows players to earn cards and progress without spending money, but some express frustration over the paywall for additional story content and the lengthy, tedious tutorial. Overall, while the game offers a solid foundation for storytelling within its mechanics, it struggles with execution and player engagement in its narrative elements.
“The mechanics are constantly evolving, the story progresses at a steady pace, and you can play meaningfully both versus the AI and players.”
“You can clearly tell the development team cared about this aspect from the get-go and they have really taken the story aspect of the lore to a new level with the optional storylines.”
“The story, as a whole, from the beginning, draws the player into the storyline itself, without too much emphasis on any particular character or scene.”
“The tutorial itself feels thrown together and not planned out; the story they try to tell sounds boring, and I personally would have preferred the game to not tell you any of those pictured stories at all or at least provide proper narration since the voice acting can't even remotely compare to that of Hearthstone.”
“If you are looking for story, this game doesn't have any.”
“The story campaigns are rather fun, but as others have mentioned, the PvP element is totally unbalanced, and you have to do them for the daily quests and to make gold to buy more campaigns and story.”
- graphics227 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the vibrant artwork and polished animations, often comparing it favorably to Hearthstone's aesthetic. However, some critics find the art style too cartoonish or derivative, lacking the depth and uniqueness seen in other card games like Magic: The Gathering. Overall, while the visuals are generally considered good and contribute to an enjoyable experience, opinions vary on their originality and appeal.
“Great game runs very well and has great graphics and sounds.”
“Really good graphics, nice art style, lots of lore with interesting twists merging fantasy and magic with technology and wild west style (revolvers, gunslingers, and stuff).”
“Eternal is a great mix between the Hearthstone graphics and Magic: The Gathering mechanics.”
“The real deal of a card game will always be the mechanics, but the aesthetics of this magic cowboy warriors game gets a 0/10 from me.”
“Graphics are not satisfying, it feels squared too much, it doesn't comfort in any way.”
“Take the bad stuff from magic the gathering (randomness and mana) add the simplest mechanics from hearthstone and the cartoon graphics and you'll have eternal.”
- grinding174 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it offers generous rewards and the ability to earn cards without spending money, it can also become excessively tedious and time-consuming, especially for those aiming to build competitive decks. Some players appreciate the various modes available for grinding, such as PvE and gauntlet, which can make the process feel less burdensome, while others feel that the need for extensive grinding to access top-tier cards creates a "pay-to-win" environment. Overall, the game is seen as free-to-play friendly, but players should be prepared for significant time investment if they wish to remain competitive without spending real money.
“Also, the free-to-play model is quite generous and not grindy.”
“It's not too grindy when it comes to building a competitive deck.”
“Earning gold is pretty easy, and you aren't grinding forever for packs.”
“When I came back to play, I realized that many powerful cards were now only accessible through payments or excessive grinding... which in a way, makes it the game 'pay to win'.”
“The game is fun unless you want to be competitive; the systems in place to progress are way too grindy.”
“Grinding to unlock legendaries takes weeks, if not months.”
- monetization64 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its relatively fair approach that allows for free play without mandatory purchases, while others criticize it as a cash grab that leans towards pay-to-win mechanics. Many users noted that while in-game purchases exist, they are not essential for enjoying the game, although some feel that the monetization strategies can be frustrating and overly aggressive. Overall, the sentiment reflects a divide between those who find the monetization reasonable and those who view it as exploitative.
“Has a not too aggressive monetization model making dolphins (people wanting to spend $10-15 every now and then) and hardcore free-to-play players able to craft what deck they want plus having a full collection of the current set in reach.”
“In-game monetization is pretty reasonable; the campaigns specifically feel really worthwhile.”
“Although there are microtransactions, this game is truly free-to-play thanks to the generous rewards system.”
“The game had potential, but monetization feels abusive.”
“Promotes itself as 'truly free to play, generous etc.' while in fact being another pay-to-win cash grab.”
“This is a typical cash grab game where the devs wanted to make money, nothing more, nothing less; they don't care about this game and the game is dying because of it.”
- optimization30 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its smooth performance across various platforms, including low-end computers and mobile devices, making it accessible for a wide range of players. However, some users report issues with competitive balance, as highly optimized decks dominate gameplay, potentially discouraging new players. While the game offers generous rewards and a visually pleasing interface, there are concerns about the optimization of certain features, particularly in the AI and mobile versions.
“The game also runs smoother than the online MTG and is easier on low-performance computers.”
“It is Magic: The Gathering, but truly optimized to be an enjoyable online experience.”
“Which means the game is of course optimized for online play, balancing the interaction between players, cards, and game flow in an optimal way.”
“Poorly optimized.”
“I'd recommend to stay away from it and invest your time in something that's not so highly optimized to push your buttons to get the most money out of your pockets.”
“I had fun for the first few hours I played, but the Mac version has some serious performance issues.”
- music25 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as minimal and underwhelming, with many players noting the presence of only a couple of tracks that fail to enhance the gaming experience. While some appreciate the sound design as decent, most recommend playing their own music in the background, as the in-game soundtrack is often considered forgettable or lacking in variety. Overall, the music does not detract significantly from the game's enjoyment, but it leaves room for improvement.
“Sounds and music are really good.”
“Great game mechanics, beautiful graphics, awesome soundtrack, and it's for free!”
“I love the art style and the music.”
“It has some flaws, like mana flood/screw sometimes (yes, just like it happens in mtg), and an almost nonexistent soundtrack, composed of only two tracks: one for regular matches and another for boss battles.”
“I recommend playing your own music in the background as the in-game music is quiet and a little boring.”
“Bit weak on the music side, but otherwise high quality art, animation, and UI design.”
- replayability25 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability through a variety of engaging campaigns, diverse deck archetypes, and multiple game modes, including both PvE and PvP options. Players appreciate the frequent updates and new sets that enhance replay value, although some note that single-player content may lack long-term appeal compared to competitive play. Overall, the game's mechanics and structure provide a rich experience that encourages repeated play.
“The campaigns are fun, and the gauntlet provides endlessly replayable solo content.”
“There is so much to do in this game, so many replayable game modes, including a vast singleplayer experience, something many will be grateful for.”
“One thing that Eternal does perhaps even better than Hearthstone is having a very replayable singleplayer experience.”
“To address the concerns of a larger deck size that some people don't understand is that, when you play a card game, you want replayability and each game to feel different than the one before per person you verse.”
“Replay value - (each game feeling unique and therefore, not boring, is the best RNG aspect for a card game)”
“[*] Single player options are interesting, but lacking long-term replayability, opting instead to drive players to PvP battles.”
- humor25 mentions
- 96 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often described as a mix of intentional and unintentional comedy, with players finding amusement in the game's RNG mechanics and matchmaking quirks. Many reviews highlight the game's cheesy and grimdark aesthetic as a source of humor, while others appreciate the entertaining sound effects and card quotes that add to the fun. Overall, the humor resonates well with players who enjoy a lighthearted, albeit sometimes frustrating, gaming experience.
“It's presentation is pretty good and the sound effects and quotes of the cards are fantastic. One of the reasons why I made and played some hilariously bad decks was just to hear 'the end!' or 'back to back!' and see their sparkly presentations, feeling powerful despite the fact that those powers were hilariously weak.”
“The rng is so hilariously pervasive that even top-level players meme about it on a constant basis.”
“Edit: Having thrown a few more hours in, there have been more peaks and valleys, but I did brew one janky deck that got me laughing maniacally for a full minute that the thing even won games, which was a blast.”
“Probably, but it's also the way I feel that the game 'plays' with me is simply not funny.”
- stability17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- -12 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability has seen improvements with recent patches, though users still report occasional bugs, particularly in the bronze to diamond leagues and on the smartphone version. The desktop version is generally well-received, with fewer glitches noted during extensive playtime. While the game is praised for its polished design and responsiveness to feedback, some players continue to experience freezing issues and interface glitches.
“The desktop version is well made with no glitches seen so far, and I've put in a lot of playtime.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes, making for a seamless experience.”
“I've experienced consistent performance throughout my sessions, which really enhances the gameplay.”
“I have taken to recording my games for playbacks, as the bronze to diamond leagues seem to have glitches where certain players' cards activate abilities they do not have, your spells and abilities refuse to physically activate, or the interface simply won't allow you to play cards.”
“Card overview when looking into the other player's hands is buggy (took me 40+ seconds to cast Rain of Frogs, been selecting and deselecting a card to transform multiple times).”
“It's amazing how much this game freezes.”
- atmosphere13 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as a mix of unique and engaging elements, with some players appreciating its distinctive art style and sound design, which enhance the overall experience. However, there are criticisms regarding the unfriendly environment for new players and a lack of depth in the storyline and art. Overall, the game successfully combines aspects from popular titles like Magic: The Gathering and Hearthstone, creating a compelling atmosphere that sets it apart from generic fantasy games.
“Similar rules as Magic, similar dynamics as Hearthstone, but a very unique atmosphere.”
“It most resembles MTG, but takes the fun Hearthstone elements and its distinctive atmosphere to create a really fun overall experience.”
“The card art is interesting, the animations and sound design are really nice, and the overall atmosphere is just enticing you to keep playing.”
“I tried Hearthstone, but the cartoony art style and the overall atmosphere of the game wasn't really my thing.”
“The art and atmosphere is a bit lacking though, and I hope with a deeper storyline they'll develop more depth there too.”
“Heartstone might be a bad game overall, but it wins with animations, sound, atmosphere.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is criticized for lacking relatability and ownership due to insufficient voice acting and the absence of physical interaction, which diminishes the player's emotional investment. Additionally, the declining player base and negative community dynamics contribute to a sense of disconnection and frustration for some users. Overall, the game may evoke nostalgia for some, but it struggles to foster a meaningful emotional connection.
“It feels like magic: the gathering made me feel 25 years ago.”
“But since some elements are lacking, unlike real life board games and card games where the sense of physically touching the objects creates a sense of direct ownership, this game lacks human relatability; it instead creates a sense of lesser relatability and therefore a lesser sense of ownership.”
“- Are you okay with getting emotionally invested in a game whose player base is in steady decline?”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Character development is highlighted through impressive artwork and cinematics that resemble a graphic novel, showcasing politically charged designs. The blend of 2D and 3D animation enhances the visual storytelling, contributing to a rich and engaging character experience.
“Right out of the gate, the artwork and cinematics are amazing, akin to scenes and character designs in a graphic novel, and with just enough character cell animation that the art seems 3D, but still looks 2D.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth.”
“I found the character arcs to be predictable and uninspired.”
“The characters don't evolve in a meaningful way throughout the game.”
