Vesper: Ether Saga

Vesper: Ether Saga is a role-playing, card and strategy game set in Etheria, a world formed around a crystal tree that breathes soul into matter. You play as Vesper, the Amazon of the Knights of Nyx, a courageous young woman who wields ethereal magic and serves Prince Crimson Nyx. Together they fight for the kingdom of Sylvaestris in a war against the Soraji nomads. Vesper’s dark powers draw the attention of The Ekklesia, an almighty religious institution that calls on Redgrave, a ruthless inquisitor of the Aurora Crux.

Story and world

The game and its comic book tell the same story, with the first game episode matching the first comic issue. The comic can be read in the game in a format adapted for on-screen reading, and cutscenes punctuate completed missions. The game is episodic: when a future episode is released, you can continue from your last save with the content you have already won.

As the story progresses, you unlock locations on Etheria’s world map. Each location offers missions with different difficulty modes. Episode 1 takes place in part of this world, including the siege of Valestiel.

Develop your heroes

You begin with Vesper and can win allied units with unique abilities. Complete objectives to earn experience, level up characters, unlock active and passive skills, and upgrade them. This episode has 10 playable characters, alongside basic units that can help in combat.

Vesper deals physical damage with both melee weapons, including swords and spears, and ranged weapons, including daggers and the wheelblade. Her powers use the darkness element. Other heroes include a full tank who can draw enemy attention and defend your characters, and Lubikai, a versatile tank and physical damage dealer who can call on fellow Sorajis for reinforcements.

Cards and combat

There are three types of cards:

• Unit Cards: summon allies in exchange for ether crystals.
• Action cards: use abilities specific to your heroes.
• Arcane Cards: collect cards that grant various bonuses.

You plan tactics around the range and positioning of your units. Keep them moving to avoid some enemy attacks, and arrange them with care: short-range physical attacks are more effective from the front line. Enemies can also use this positioning rule. Exploit their weaknesses and adapt your tactics; some enemies can join combat as reinforcements under certain conditions, but cannot be controlled. You can also unleash your ULTIMA.