Patch 0.7.5 – Dev Update

Old Mana Game
Dec 27, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jan 2

Hey everyone!

I hope you’ve all had a wonderful and restful holiday season. As the year comes to a close, I’ve been working hard on Old Mana Game and refining both the visual and mechanical aspects of the game. Here’s what’s new in Version 0.7.5:

1. Locations Redesign

One of the major updates in this patch is the redesign of Locations, which now return to a vertical layout. This decision was not easy, as I’ve always been drawn to horizontal cards, inspired by games like Sorcery or Star Wars Unlimited. However, after extensive testing, the vertical format simply feels better for Old Mana Game in several ways:

Immersion and Depth: While horizontal cards offer a nice panoramic feel, I prefer the depth that vertical artwork provides. It also works better with the over-the-border effects featured in many of our cards.

Neutral Utility: Locations are no longer tied to specific classes, making them playable across all decks and strategies.

Practicality: On the table and in-hand, vertical cards are easier to manage and integrate into gameplay, especially when building and organizing decks.

Better Booster Pulls: Removing class restrictions ensures Locations feel more rewarding and flexible when drawn.

While the visual identity of the game continues to evolve, I feel confident that this redesign brings us closer to the ideal look and feel I envision for Old Mana Game.

2. Multi-Class Cards

Another exciting addition in this update is the introduction of multi-class cards—cards that are playable by two different classes. This mechanic is designed to give players even more flexibility in deck-building, allowing for creative combinations that cross traditional class boundaries.

For example:

Street Thief: A stealthy Ally with the Steal effect, perfect for both Warriors and Thieves.

We’re planning to have 50–60 cards per class at launch, alongside around 100 neutral cards that any class can use. Within each class, we anticipate having 5–10 multi-class cards, carefully designed to fit thematically and mechanically for both classes.

This means you’ll be able to create truly unique decks by mixing class-specific strategies. Imagine combining a Priest’s healing abilities with a Paladin’s defensive buffs, or adding stealthy Thief cards to a Hunter deck for sneaky combos.

These multi-class cards open up a whole new level of customization and replayability, giving players the tools to experiment with different playstyles and synergies. It’s an exciting step toward making Old Mana Game as dynamic and versatile as possible.

3. Equipment Discard Mechanic

We’re testing a new discard mechanic for Equipment cards, allowing players to discard Equipment from their hand to generate Gold equal to half its cost.

• Why this change? This creates an additional layer of strategy, letting players trade unused Equipment for resources at a cost.

• Immersion: It ties into the fantasy of adapting and making decisions based on what you have available.

This mechanic might eventually tie into Locations, but for now, I’m leaning toward making it a core rule.

4. Visual Improvements

A lot of effort has gone into polishing the game’s look and feel:

Standardized Name Banners: All cards now feature a unified banner design for consistency.

Improved Mana Visibility: Mana costs are slightly larger for better readability.

Pixel-Perfect Alignment: Text, names, and other elements have been carefully centered for a cohesive look.

Effect Stamps for Allies: Allied cards now include stamps behind their effect text, adding a stylish, thematic touch.

5. Social Media Growth

In early December, I launched the official Old Mana Game social media accounts, and the response has been incredible. We’ve already grown to nearly 400 followers on Instagram, with a reach of over 50,000 people. This level of engagement has been beyond my expectations, and it’s inspiring to think about what might be possible in the future when I can dedicate more time to Social Media. For now, though, I’m focused on refining the core mechanics and visual design of the game.

6. Behind the Scenes

On a personal note, I’ve also upgraded my setup. I recently invested in a Wacom tablet and pen, which has made refining card designs—particularly the over-the-border effects—so much easier. Before this, I was doing everything with a mouse, so the new tools have been a game-changer.

Looking ahead, the next big milestone is the next playtesting phase, once all cards are finalized. While I’ve been printing prototypes myself using a high-quality Canon printer, I’m considering ordering professionally printed prototypes again. This comes with a higher cost, but it’s something I’m carefully weighing as we prepare for the next steps.

On a more personal note, I’ve reached a point in the development process where I’ve come to truly appreciate the challenges of balancing creativity with structure. It’s so easy to get caught up in the smallest details, tweaking things that might not even need changing.

I’ve found myself spending hours on adjustments—sometimes to elements I was already happy with—only to realize that while the new version looks great, so did the old one. It’s hard to say which is better, and that’s where the challenge of quality management comes in. Knowing when to stop, when to trust the original design, and when to push for improvement has been a lesson in itself.

This is why I’m working to keep a sense of structure and focus, even as I dive deep into refining the game. These small decisions might not always be visible, but they’re part of what makes Old Mana Game the immersive and polished experience I want it to be. It’s a journey, and I’m learning to enjoy every step, even the frustrating ones.

Closing Thoughts

This update reflects the incredible progress we’ve made, but also how much care goes into every decision—whether it’s the layout of a card or the core mechanics of the game. Thank you all for your support and encouragement. I’m thrilled about what’s to come in 2025 and can’t wait to share more progress with you.

Here’s to a fantastic new year filled with creativity, growth, and adventure. Stay tuned for more updates!

Cheers,

INDI