A Capy/Capybara Games Mini Rabbit Hole
Posted: Sept 2, 2024
I'm trying to look more into the publishers and developers of the games I like. Today is Capy/Capybara Games. They are a small, Canadian developer.
And they made my favorite game. Might & Magic Clash of Heroes for the DS.
Part of why I specified the DS version is that is both dual screen and pixelated.
Newer versions like the Switch one are updated and look a bit like flash games (albeit on the nicer end).
I definitely feel so much nostalgia for the pixel version, but the updated game still plays well.
Whatever version, they are all the same match-3 RPG that is easy to pick up yet can be quite difficult to master. Unlike most match 3 RPGS where the matches tend to power up attacks, the units of Clash of Heros are mobile. Once matched, a little timer ticks down. When it hits zero, units race across the screen destroying or being destroyed by whatever else is on the screen. If they make it to the end, they attack the enemy directly.
Although small, it leads to a very different game. In facy, many battles end up as puzzles such as fighting an enemy while also not . Its clear the development team were passionate about the concept and explored it as much as they could.
As someone who usually (especially at the time) rarely ever bothered with side content, I did all of the side battles and puzzles of the DS version. I felt really satisfied and accomplished once I finished the game. I have no clue where the DS cartridge is and it makes me sad.
Time has passed, and I can honestly say Clash of Heroes DS is probably one of my top 10/20 games I've ever played. I'm not 100% sure if its the best, I would have to do a formal tier list but its up there.
So what is the studio up to now?
They have released Grindstone which is another RPG game. But this time you draw a line around the grid and match whatever you can. It seems to get regular updates too. I want this one, but maybe after I've beaten Clash of Heroes again.
They are working on a game with similar match 3 tactical mechanics to Clash of Heroes. Its Battle Vision Network and I'm excited! 🤩 That said its seasonal online PVP type game which sounds difficult. 😰