The Formation
The One Formation
Hello, everyone! I hope your journey in game development has been a fulfilling one. In this log, I’ll continue delving into the mechanics of different characters within the game. This time, our focus is on none other than the God of War himself—Ares.
Myth and Legends
Ares, the son of Zeus and Hera, was infamous for his ferocity and love of battle, especially when compared to his sister, Athena, who embodied strategic warfare. However, historical myths and legends about Ares are surprisingly scarce. Most of the available stories either ridicule him or depict him as a defeated and humiliated figure. Because of this, the development of Ares' card abilities had to draw inspiration from other sources, including games, books, and other media.
The Trojan War
One of Ares’ most well-known myths involves his role in the Trojan War. Initially aligned with the Achaeans, Ares switched sides after being persuaded by Aphrodite, his lover, to fight for the Trojans. He actively aided Prince Hector in battle, but his efforts were cut short when he was wounded by the Greek warrior Diomedes, who was assisted by Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom. Defeated, Ares was forced to retreat to Olympus.
Inspiration from Other Sources
Given the limited mythological material on Ares—and the fact that most portray him as weak or easily defeated—additional sources were necessary to shape his abilities in the game. However, every ability had to stay true to Ares' core identity as the God of War.
Key abilities designed for him include:
Bloodbath – Representing his love for carnage.
Madness – Channeling his uncontrollable battle frenzy.
Piercing Shield – A blend of attack and defence.
Taunt – Forcing enemies into reckless engagements.
cHAOS
As Ares is often depicted as a chaotic force, driven by an insatiable thirst for bloodshed and destruction. Thus, abilities like Bloodbath, Madness, and Taunt were created to embody his battlefield chaos in the Pantheon War. Meanwhile, Battle Lust amplifies his blood lust, enhancing his abilities further.
Ares' Mechanics
As the God of War, Ares thrives in battle, inspiring his troops while sacrificing defense in favor of relentless attacks. This concept shaped the creation of cards like Courage and Rage of Sparta, which emphasize his aggressive and ruthless nature. Additionally, abilities like Rebuke and Piercing Shield serve as double-edged swords, allowing both offensive and defensive play depending on the situation.
Weaknesses
Ares' play style comes with significant risks. His abilities are incredibly powerful in offence but require careful planning and strategy. Without a well-structured deck, using his abilities recklessly could lead to a costly defeat. However, when played effectively, Ares becomes a devastating powerhouse capable of overwhelming opponents with immense damage.
Conclusion
Ares is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, offering a straightforward yet high-risk play style. While his abilities can wreak havoc, careless use may backfire. Mastering his mechanics is key to unleashing his full potential in the Pantheon War.
