In The Curse of Mantras, you awaken in an unfamiliar, ethereal realm: the Afterlife. Here, death isn’t the end, but a new beginning, and you find yourself in a world ruled by strange forces. You play as either Lily or Ace, both avatars of Death, the most powerful entities in this realm. The enigmatic Mantras, a mysterious figure, greets you and sets the stage for your journey. He explains the rules of this realm, where every inhabitant is a soul from a past life, representing one of the four core elements—Water, Fire, Air, Earth—or an Arcana: Life or Death.
With the power of a strange music box, you and your companion (depending on who you choose to play) hold the key to unlocking the secrets of your past lives. As the avatars of Death, you alone can activate the music box, triggering a series of events that will reveal the truth behind your death and the mysteries of the Afterlife. Throughout your journey, you must choose between two alignments: Order or Chaos. Form alliances with companions who embody these opposing ideologies, and engage in battles to uncover the secrets of the Afterlife and regain lost memories.
Along the way, love blooms in the most unexpected of places. Despite the Afterlife’s strange and eerie nature, you will find that romance is still possible. With up to 10 potential love interests, each character offering their own unique connection and at least two romance CG scenes, the bonds you form could change the course of your journey. But remember, the path you take will shape both your future and your past, as your choices will lead to different endings.
Gameplay:
Card Battler Mechanics:
The Curse of Mantras features an optional but deep card battler system. Players can collect over 120 unique cards—72 creatures and 60 spells. These cards are categorized by element, arcana, and alignment, and players can strategically use them in turn-based battles. As you progress through the game, you'll be able to upgrade your cards and customize your deck to suit your playstyle.
Alignment and Team Building:
The protagonist (Lily or Ace) must choose between the forces of Order and Chaos, which will determine their team of companions. Each companion, aligned with either Order or Chaos, brings a unique set of abilities and powers. Your decisions will not only affect battle outcomes but also determine your relationships with others in the Afterlife.
Romance and Relationships:
Even in the Afterlife, love and companionship are possible. The game offers players the opportunity to romance their companions, each with their own story and romantic path. There are 10 potential love interests, and each romance has a set of at least 2 CG scenes. Your relationship choices will impact the narrative, adding emotional depth and meaning to your adventure.
Features:
Expansive Elemental and Arcana System:
Choose your avatar and align with either Life or Death, each representing a unique facet of the Afterlife. Your companions will each represent an element (Water, Fire, Air, or Earth) or an Arcana, adding layers of strategic depth to the battles. Each character has their own elemental power, which can be leveraged in combat and story progression.
Branching Story and Multiple Endings:
The Curse of Mantras offers a branching narrative where your choices—whether related to alignment, romance, or the battles you fight—will shape the outcome of your story. The game features multiple endings, based on the decisions you make throughout the game, ensuring high replayability.
Detailed Card Collection and Strategy:
The card battler system is more than just an additional feature; it’s an essential part of the game’s strategy. Collect cards, form synergies, and build your deck to enhance your chances in combat. With over 120 cards to choose from, players can experiment with different combinations of creatures and spells to create a powerful deck that complements their playstyle.
Tips for Playing:
Master the Card System:
To succeed in The Curse of Mantras, you’ll need to master the card system. Pay attention to your deck’s synergy, as combining certain cards can create powerful effects. Experiment with different strategies to find the combination that works best for you.
Choose Your Alignment Wisely:
The decision to align with Order or Chaos will influence both your battles and your relationships. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each alignment, as well as how they will affect your interactions with companions. Your choice will also determine the types of challenges you’ll face and the love interests you can pursue.
Invest in Relationships:
While the battles are important, The Curse of Mantras is also a game about relationships. Spend time developing your bond with your companions, as they can provide valuable insights into the mysteries of the Afterlife and offer emotional support during your journey. Romance can bring new depths to the story and unlock hidden secrets.
