14 DAY TRIAL // Grave is struggling to deliver strikes on Setsuki. I tried both high and low kicks and she delivered the required blocks to stop my character from delivering any damage. Thankfully, I was also able to use a block and one dodge to make sure the ninja apprentice also fails to land any hits. So we are kind of at a stalemate, which means it might be time to try some bigger moves.
My chosen fighter can exchange two cards in his hand for two in the discard pile, which I do to make sure I have some pairs. I then use those to gain one super meter and get access to one of my specials. Dragonheart is unsafe on block, which might have big consequences if my opponent manages to choose the right card. But she doesn’t and I can deal some solid health damage.
I’m feeling the momentum shift a little. I use The True Power of Storms when it’s Setsuki’s turn, which takes away another chunk out of her health. I still need to carefully manage my super meter and health but I think Grave has enough of an advantage to take this match, regardless of what tricks my adversary can call on.
Yomi 2 is developed and published by Sirlin Games. I played a preview version on the PC. The title is set to arrive before the end of the year. This is a fighting game that uses cards to power characters as they attack, block, use special moves, and more.
Each character has a special ability and unique powers and players will further enhance them by choosing a gem color to use. Some cards, including normal strikes, punches, blocks, and throws, are mostly the same regardless of character.
Fights are turn-based. At the start of their own, gamers have the option to exchange one card they have in hand with one in the discard pile. They can also activate their unique gem power, only once per match, boost their meter, or use an ability.
Once that happens, it’s time to choose an opening move. Strike high or low and hope that an opponent fails to use the right block. Create complex combos to deliver a lot of damage. Or choose a powerful special move that can leave your fighter open to retaliation. Pay attention to the keywords on the cards to get a clear idea of what might happen.
Yomi 2’s card fighting system isn’t hard to understand but will be hard to master. It takes time to see everything a fighter can do and there’s always an element of risk when choosing to play a certain type of attack.
Yomi 2 wholly adopts the classic fighting game look, with characters that don’t quite conform to human proportions. The developers have done a good job of making the cards evocative, highlighting the various keywords, and adding the needed spectacle for special attacks. The game flows well, although it needs the option to skip certain animations. The sound elements are pretty standard for the genre and fail to stand out.
Conclusion
The game offers both a single-player campaign and the option to battle other humans in multiplayer. The full release will have 20 characters to choose from. I hope Yomi 2 manages each feel entirely unique, giving fans of the concept space to find a favorite and master a combat style.
A preview key was provided by the publisher
