Pox Nora Review: Successful Hybrid Game
By Kei Beneza (dividelife), OnRPG Journalist
Pox Nora is a hybrid MMO game that mixes the elements of strategy games, level up MMOs, and surprisingly, trading card games and miniature gaming. It’s a very weird combination for a video game if you to ask me, at least until I played the game. Mac user? No problem! Yes, Pox Nora can be played on both the PC and Mac. If you still have problems running the client, you can always play the game through your web browser. The game is turn based, much like the old Magic: The Gathering game for the PlayStation 1, where players must summon mythical creatures and powerful spells called runes in order to best their opponents in battle.
Not Your Typical MMO
The game really feels a lot like a digital tabletop game, where players must construct a deck of their own to suit their personal game play. Pox Nora can be enjoyed as a free to play game, but just like any other collectible card game, you will eventually yearn to both personalize the deck and look for combos that are available in the marketplace. You can buy card boxes and booster packs, just like a real collectible card game. Pox Nora also releases new expansions for rebalancing and better game play. What are you waiting for? Download it while reading this!
Starting Up
The in game tutorial is very helpful and explains the basics perfectly, though it’s up to the player to make use of what he’s got, namely his starter deck. The game has some serious depth, like status ailments and ongoing effects, which is why you must study your cards to execute these nasty combos.
Free To Play?
One thing to be stated is that playing the game for free has its limitations. Much like any other CCG, you shouldn’t expect your starter deck to win serious matches. You can still keep playing for free while waiting for player rewards but do know that the other decks you’ll be facing often have better combos (not to mention the presence of Avatars). With that in mind, the game is indeed free to play, but it is also mandatory to purchase booster packs and other cards to play competitively. Card boxes and packs cost as much as real cards by the way, so prepare to dish out some cash.
Campaign Mode
If you’re not content with the tutorials, you can always play the single player campaign mode to learn more about the game as well as earn player rewards (cards) to further customize your deck. Earning cards this way is pretty fun as it allows you to get to know your deck better; however, it can also be considered a form of grinding as you are forced to fight tons of battles to earn something you can get easily for $2.99. Still, I would advise players to try the campaign since it is a good way to familiarize yourself with the different maps in the game. It is also a good way for players to formulate strategies and perform various combos with their provided decks.
Get To Know Your Opponent
Another feature that I absolutely love about Pox Nora is that you can join games as an observer to see other players battle it out. You can pick up various strategies by watching people play. It can also serve as a guide for players who are unsure on what type of deck/army they will be building. Know your opponents! Jump right in, and spy on them.
Deck Building- Treat It Like It’s Real!
Players can customize their decks by accessing Pox Nora’s official website. This makes it easier to manage cards after purchasing booster packs or avatars. There is also the Bazaar room where players can trade their cards and runes.
The Curve
I’m not sure if this game sports the traditional CCG curve but you really have to count your unit’s Nora (Mana, for some games) before casting runes. I’ve experienced tons of shortage in Nora while playing the game, so learn to count your Nora when casting multiple runes. There’s also the AP, which is spent by moving or attacking with your champions as you go on with the game. You wouldn’t want your Champ to be AP-less when you reach one of the enemy’s units, so be careful and calculate stuff before you move.
Graphics and Sounds
The graphics are awesome. They managed to render the miniatures really well, giving you the feeling that you’re actually playing a tabletop game with your mouse and keyboard. The game runs in 2d, using the same isometric bird’s eye view found in most RTS games. There are also tons of spell effects to keep you at the edge of your seat. Some of the artwork is absolutely enthralling, but some is also nasty as hell. As for the sounds, there isn’t much to hear, but the combat sounds are quite crunchy and satisfying. I’m not sure about the BGM since it’s basically just a sound clip being looped over and over again, but it does add more EPIC in your game play. As far as graphics and sounds go, everything is in perfect harmony.
Overall
It’s not really a good substitution for a real CCG, but Pox Nora’s definitely an awesome game. The game is free to play, but will eventually steal your money once you get into it XD. You can still choose to play for free but do know that your starter deck won’t win you serious matches. The graphics are fine, the sounds bode well with the scenario, and I really think this is an awesome hybrid. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind spending money for a game like this as experimenting with combos and effects are fun as hell. CC gaming at the comforts of your home? I’m in.
Pros:
– It’s a great hybrid of 2 genres
– Great visuals for a 2d game
– Epic and satisfying battle sound effects
– Online Market Place
– Trading
– Observer mode
– Great tutorials
Cons:
– FREE TO PLAY MY @SS
– Balance Issues between some cards (then again, it’s a TCG sickness)
– Repetition of BGM is just sickening at times
