Wicked Fun, Inc., an independent game development studio, today announced the worldwide launch of its tactical match 3 game Force of Elements, currently available on Steam (PC), Android and coming soon to iOS mobile devices. Force of Elements combines the popular gem-matching play mechanic with deep tactical head-to-head game play and hero collecting for a game that is easy to get into and hard to put down.
Previously available as a premium early access beta on Steam’s online store late last year – and more recently as part of Google’s Indie Corner on Android, the official launch version of Force of Elements is now free-to-play with an entirely new economy system and introduces a new hero character, Padrya – a wood sprite and the game’s first control-based character, who confuses and denies her opponents.
For Terry Redfield, 20 year game industry veteran and Wicked Fun’s founder and CEO, making a game with broad appeal and that was easy to learn while offering depth of strategic game play that would keep people returning was critical.
“As game players ourselves, we looked at the market and saw an opportunity for a game that could speak to an audience beyond the usual 18-24 male most games target, but also offers a great core gaming experience with lots of tactical play that takes time to master,” said Redfield. “For many maturing gamers, their lives are busy and they need something they can enjoy in a shorter playing session, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still want a deep and challenging experience. We’ve tested the game across a variety of demographics and it seems each person has a favorite hero they gravitate toward and their own way they like to play.”
Force of Elements features a roster of unlockable heroes, each aligned with different elements that can be enhanced with special Auras as they earn power gems which release special attacks and defenses. Additional heroes, such as Padrya, will be introduced periodically. Players are automatically matched with either a live or AI opponent for real time head-to-head battle. There are two ways play: the rapid-fire TIMED mode and tactical TURNS mode. Ranked play and tournaments of slated to be introduced soon.
Force of Elements is available as a free-to-play download for PC on Steam and for Android devices from the Google Play store. An iOS version is planned for release in the coming months.