Checkmate Magic 
Checkmate Magic is a top-down pixel ARPG where every move is a spell.
You build your power using chess-inspired abilities and card-based upgrades, then fight through endless waves of enemies on an enchanted board.

GAME JOURNEY / FLOW

1. Start of a Run

• Launch the game and start at the Main Menu.

• Options: New Game, Continue (if available), Exit.

New Game → Run Setup:

• Choose your starting piece/build (for example: Knight-focused, Rook-focused, etc.).

• Equip any unlocked armor or passive items.

• Confirm to enter the arena.

1. In-Game Loop
   A typical run goes through this loop:

Spawn in the Arena:

• You appear on a tile-based battlefield (chess-like grid).

• Basic movement and attack are available immediately.

Waves of Enemies:

• Enemies spawn in waves.

• Each wave gets progressively harder:

  • More enemies

  • New enemy types

  • Stronger stats and new attack patterns

Combat & Abilities:

• Move to dodge hits and reposition.

• Use normal attacks and special abilities inspired by chess pieces.

• Element tiles (Fire, Ice, Lightning, Nature, etc.) can affect the battle:

  • Fire tiles: damage over time

  • Ice tiles: slow or freeze

  • Other elements: buffs, debuffs, or control effects

Rewards After Waves:

• When you clear a wave, you can receive:

  • Cards (new abilities or modifiers)

  • Weapons, Armor, or Passives

  • Currency for upgrades

Card / Upgrade Phase:

• Between waves, you can:

  • Attach cards to weapons or armor

  • Choose between multiple upgrade options

  • Plan synergies for your next waves

Repeat the Loop:

• Wave → Rewards → Upgrade → Next Wave

• Difficulty ramps up over time.

1. Boss & End of Run

Boss Waves:

• After certain waves, a boss appears.

• Bosses have:

  • Higher HP

  • Unique attack patterns

  • Special mechanics (for example, summons or arena hazards)

If You Win:

• You gain:

  • Bigger rewards

  • Unlocks (new cards, items, or cosmetics)

  • Progress toward long-term goals (meta progression)

If You Die:

• The run ends.

• You return to the main menu or hub.

• You may keep some meta progression (depending on the design):

  • Permanent stats

  • New cards added to the pool

  • New piece builds unlocked

CONTROLS

Move: Left Mouse Button
Primary Attack: Auto
Special Ability: Card Click
Interact / Confirm: F or Enter
Pause / Menu: Esc

FEATURES

• Chess-themed piece abilities

• Card-based upgrade system:

  • Weapon buffs

  • Player buffs

  • Enemy debuffs

  • Arena modifiers

• Wave-based arena combat

• Boss fights and meta progression (work in progress)

TECH

Engine: Godot 4.x

Steam:

 https://store.steampowered.com/app/2445410/Checkmate_MAGIC/