Mahokenshi

Those interested in trying out the Japan-inspired deck-building strategy game Mahokenshi can try out a free demo on Steam as part of the TactiCon and Games Made in France digital events. The demo will be available until Sep 29, with a full game launch expected in Jan 2023. You can check out a new trailer for the game above.

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From publisher Iceberg Interactive and developer Game Source Studio:

Mahokenshi’s free Steam demo will allow deck-building fans to experience the Celestial Islands from the perspective of the relentless Ayaka of House Ruby and the newly announced Kaito of House Sapphire, a powerful tactician whose playstyle is based on defense, area of effect, and provocation. The demo will also feature more enemies, a new tutorial, a new mission, a new leveling system, and a new Mahoken tree.

The full game will include two additional characters: stealth master Sota of House Jade and intelligent spellcaster Miskai of House Topaz. Players will be challenged to build their card decks, evolve their chosen character, and expertly strategize to protect the sanctity of the Celestial Islands from the corruption of a forbidden magic. Collect over 200 lovingly illustrated cards, defeat formidable foes, and discover treasure and remote locations. Execute gorgeous fully animated attacks on your journey to restore harmony.

From the Steam page:

Become a Mighty Mahokenshi – A Samurai Mage

Wielding both blade and magic, it is your duty to protect the floating Celestial Islands from powerful opponents who seek to corrupt them. Challenge your fate and build your card deck to defeat foes and complete missions. Evolve your character with every playthrough, and become the Mahokenshi the world needs.

Choose Your Samurai House

Where will you start your journey? Will you hail from the sturdy House of Sapphire? The cunning House of Topaz? The fierce House of Ruby? Or the secretive House of Jade? Each house draws its strength from a different elemental spirit and allows you to create different playstyles.

Build Your Deck Strategically

There are more than 200 lovingly illustrated cards to discover. Begin with a basic set of cards and choose how to build your deck as you defeat formidable foes, uncover treasures, and find remote locations. Be careful, as each terrain offers different advantages, so plan your actions with the surroundings in mind. Evolve your playstyle and strategy in every mission and leverage the strengths of your samurai house to create powerful combos.

Explore the Celestial Islands

Travel a vast array of vibrant and beautifully designed 3D maps. Meet the different people of the Celestial Islands, save villages, discover shrines and defeat deadly demons. See your battles brought to life with fully animated characters. Perform magical maneuvers, fiery attacks, strong defensive moves, and swift counterattacks on your way to restoring peace to the world.

TactiCon is a strategy game-focused event hosted and and presented by indie game publishers Hooded Horse and Firesquid; Games Made in France is coordinated by Capital Games and will celebrate French creativity through titles developed by more than 20 studios.

Leah McDonald
Leah's been playing video games since her brother first bought an Atari back in the 1980s and has no plans to stop playing anytime soon. She enjoys almost every genre of game, with some of her favourites being Final Fantasy Tactics, Shadow of the Colossus, Suikoden II and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Leah lives on the East Coast with her husband and son. You can follow Leah over on Twitter @GamingBricaBrac