Legends of Runeterra Review
Strategy and Style Come to Life in Legends of Runeterra
If you are a fan of League of Legends then you have probably already heard of Riot Games’ newest mobile title. Legends of Runeterra (LoR for short) is a turn-based card collection game, but it is not as simple as it sounds. With multitudes of cards, all with their own specific characteristics, there are hundreds of different variations of decks that can be constructed. So many options mean that you have to be careful and deliberate with your selections because a sound strategy is the only key to success, and when it comes to this all-important element, Runeterra does not disappoint.
There are also aesthetics to think about as well. You can form your personal deck with cards from only two (out of seven) regions. Each region has a different emphasis and, more importantly, look. My personal favorite is the region of Decima; it combines bright colors with traditional armor giving it a hopeful and honorable vibe. If you fancy a darker style, there is a region centered on spiders and it is calling your name.
Legends of Runeterra Deals a Hard Hand
Legends of Runeterra has a high learning curve. Like most complex games, they have a walkthrough tutorial when you first download and open the app. While this tutorial was comprehensive and easy to follow, I found that I still had a hard time getting the hang of the gameplay. After I fumbled through a couple of matches against AI, I found myself looking to YouTube to refresh my knowledge of all the different rules and functions. I wouldn’t consider this a drawback per se, because once I was able to get past the high learning curve I was absolutely enthralled, and I have been ever since.
Gameplay
The basic concept of how to play is pretty self-explanatory, it being a turn-based card game and all. I mean, you take turns and play cards. Beyond that is where it gets more complex. The first thing you need to understand is what your Nexus is; that is your health and you and your opponent both start the game with 20 HP. The goal is to deal enough damage to your opponent’s Nexus that it goes down to zero. There are two different kinds of cards: units and spells. Continuing with the number two, each unit has two primary elements: their health and their power. Health signifies how much damage they can withstand, while power is a measure of how much damage they can do.
You play a match via a series of rounds, with an attack token indicating who has initiative each round. When your opponent attacks, you use your cards to block. If you can’t block then the damage goes right to your Nexus.
This is just the beginning. I haven’t even gotten started on the mana, spell mana, elite cards, champion units, leveling up, rallying, the different kinds of spells and when you can and cannot play them, etc. If it sounds overwhelming do not fret. I am here to give you hope, because if I could figure out how to play then there is a good chance that you can too. Trust me, the investment is worth it.
Will You Take the Challenge?
The amount of hardcore this game offers is off the charts. Now that I am thinking about it, you have to be pretty hardcore yourself if you are going to play this game. Absorbing the rules of play and coming up with your own unique decks and strategies (which continually evolve) requires hardcore commitment. If you choose to embark on this journey, you will receive a hardcore payout in terms of hours of enticing, exciting, and engaging gameplay.
Hardcore?
I'd say so!
Legends of Runeterra is one of the most hardcore games I have ever played. The concept is deeply developed and wonderfully executed. It is also easy on the eyes (and ears); the top-notch graphics and music add to the immersive experience that comes when you do a deep dive into LoR. If you can get past the steep learning curve, you are in for hours of stylish and strategic gameplay.
About the Author
Macy Pingree hails from the deep valleys of Utah. She spends her time dodging hiking engagements and other outdoor activities so she can hunker down indoors to write, read, or watch an ungodly amount of television.
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