Do's and Dont's of combat mechanics in card games?

Basically since it seems like you are asking about CCG/TCG combat mechanics. I figured I'd just point out to you -- that making a CCG or TCG is a very expensive proposition. It also takes too much effort (in terms of money) to gain any traction.

I think you've been discussing CCGs and TCGs and the fact of the matter is that those games have a place in the TableTop Market and stay that way because of: A> Popularity, B> Cartoons on TV, C> Massive investments into the game itself.

To read more about the perils of CCGs and TCGs visit this link on James Mathe website:

http://www.jamesmathe.com/to-ccg-or-not-to-ccg-that-is-the-question/

It's some good advice about what inexperienced designers think is the NORM and it is actually quite different (in reality).

Not trying to dissuade you... More trying to make you aware of the reality behind making that type of game.

Best of luck(?!) with your game!

Right the "boosters" are a business model - which is basically disliked by everyone involved in those games.

Themed packs work, provided as you say "nothing will be random". Those kind of "expansions" are desirable because it means you are buying a fixed amount of cards for predefined card content.

That's smart! The starter packs are also good, they can be considered a "core" and include NON-CARD content like meeples, dice, markers, mats, etc.

So you can "build" your "core" to contain everything you need to play + a themed pack (which can be included or not in the "core"). Most people when they buy a "core", they expect it to be "ready-for-play". So "core" + 1 themed pack ... is a good way to go!

Then in the future you can ADD "Themed packs" which allow players to customize their deck (deck construction) off-line (and outside play time).

So good for you. I think your game has definite possibilities!

Cheers.