Union of Gnomes Review: A Card Roguelike About the Dwarven Rebellion

Contents:

• Viva la revolution!
• The Dwarfs' Share
• To the Breakthrough
• Interview with Katerina Chirkova

On July 18, Union of Gnomes, a unique card roguelike that offers A new take on the classic tale of the dwarves and Snow White. In this game from the Hoolignomes team, Snow White uses her singing to subjugate the dwarves and turn them into her servants. Zombified by her voice, they become not only obedient slaves but also a valuable commodity in the Kingdom's markets. The player must lead a rebellion against this merciless exploitation. The time for revolution has come.

Skillbox Media's Gamedev editorial team reviewed the game in Early Access and discussed the project with Katerina Chirkova, a member of the Hoolignomes team.

Viva la revolution!

Union of Gnomes begins with an escape from Gnomontanomo, a terrifying place where dwarves from all corners of the Kingdom are brought for forced "reforging." Having escaped from these dungeons, the newly minted revolutionaries begin their march to freedom through the forests and villages under the leadership of one of the rebellion's leaders, Miko. Soon, Snow White and her loyal King learn of the escape, and they decide to organize a pursuit. They offer a generous reward for each captured dwarf, adding tension and danger to the already complex situation. In this fight for freedom, the gnomes face new challenges and enemies, making their path to independence even more exciting.

The Union of Gnomes storyline includes several major missions, known as "runs," located on the global map. As the player completes the main missions, additional challenges and quests are unlocked. In one of the first missions, the player will need to infiltrate the house of an eccentric cat lady and free the gnomes from their responsibilities caring for naughty cats.

Text adventure quests offer a unique gaming experience, allowing players to minimize combat and reach the final boss battle without unnecessary losses. These smaller-scale quests also appear on the minimaps of main missions, adding variety to the gameplay. They often contain funny and unexpected situations that make the game more engaging. For example, players might try to free Rapunzel from her imprisonment in a tower, rescue the dwarf brothers from slave traders, or establish relationships with local peasants. These quests not only lift the spirits but also provide useful resources that will come in handy later. By completing quests, players can not only have fun, but also significantly improve their chances of success in more difficult adventures.

Five exciting missions are available in Early Access, each culminating in a battle with unique bosses. Players will face opponents such as the bloodthirsty Kolobok, the voyeuristic Little Red Riding Hood, and the crazy Granny. To reach these bosses, players must complete a variety of quests and fight regular enemies, collecting useful items along the way and restoring strength in shelters. Unlike Slay the Spire, which inspired many card roguelikes, in Union of Gnomes, defeat in battle only returns the player to the beginning of the current mission, while preserving progress in previously completed chapters. This provides a more comfortable gameplay experience and the opportunity to develop your strategies without unnecessary interruptions.

The developers of Hoolignomes certainly drew inspiration from Slay the Spire, but their project includes unique elements. One such element is sausages, which serve as an important strategic resource. Each turn on the minimap requires a certain number of sausages, depending on your squad's needs. Sausages also play a key role in difficult battles. They can be used to convert armor into health, remove mana restrictions, and inflict significant damage to all enemies simultaneously. This mechanic adds depth to strategic planning and makes the game more engaging.

When supplies As sausages run out, each turn causes a random dwarf from the deck to faint from hunger and become unavailable for the upcoming battle. Therefore, it is important to always have sausages on hand and regularly replenish their supplies in shelters. The second important resource in Union of Gnomes is gold. It can be used to purchase sausages, restore health, and improve the stats of your dwarves. Both resources can also be useful when completing quests. However, the dwarves themselves prefer sausages: it is better to be poor but well-fed.

Dwarven Lot

Union of Gnomes offers unique personalization of the cards that players use to create and combine their deck. Each card represents a freed dwarf ready to fight, rather than simply a description of their skills or weapons. Game missions begin with ten dwarves in a cart, which adds an element of strategy. Before starting a run, you can customize your team composition and select a leader. Miko excels at controlling long-range dwarves, while Rocco prefers to lead melee fighters into battle. The developers also plan to add a third hero, the Commander, in future updates. This feature makes the game even more engaging and varied, allowing players to adapt their tactics depending on the dwarves they choose.

After each battle in the game, you have the opportunity to choose a new gnome for your deck. It's important to consider not only compatibility with existing cards but also the recruit's stats. Dwarves are divided into several categories: ranged and melee fighters, medics, masters, armorers, cursed, and mana-restoring gnomes. Medics and armorers have distinct roles: the former heal, while the latter protect. Cursed gnomes are the result of an enemy casting a Curse spell, rendering them inactive or otherwise complicating the battle. Masters help apply various buffs and debuffs, of which there are quite a few, adding a strategic element to gameplay. Mana-restoring gnomes, or "mana-restoring" gnomes, provide essential support for ability use, allowing players to manage their resources more effectively. Each new card can significantly change the tactics and outcome of the battle, so the choice of dwarf has strategic significance.

Union of Gnomes features a unique magical energy that brings its own unique gameplay mechanics to the table, setting it apart from other games in the genre. Unlike similar titles, Union of Gnomes has no action points. Most cards, especially melee units and mana minions, can be played for free, while others require mana. By upgrading paid cards, players can make them free, adding a strategic element to the game. Additionally, Union of Gnomes has a fixed number of cards drawn into a player's hand before a turn—only five. These changes, while seemingly simple, significantly refresh the gameplay loop familiar to roguelite fans.

Battles in the game are highly dynamic, and the only enemies that require more time are bosses and all-powerful doves. However, the regular enemies may seem a bit lacking in variety. Most are insane, greedy, and frightening. Among the living creatures, you'll encounter dogs, cats, rats, and, of course, those same pigeons, known for their viciousness and fertility. It's important to note that the developers plan to add unique monsters in future updates, which will significantly diversify the gameplay experience. While the enemies are somewhat generic, the superb character graphics help compensate. The gnomes and their enemies are designed in a minimalist yet expressive style. The images of little revolutionaries remain in the memory for a long time, and the developers should consider the possibility of creating plush toys and other products based on the game, which will contribute to the development of the fandom.

In addition to story missions, the game offers a unique "Endless Nightmare" mode. In this mode, battles follow one another, and the difficulty level increases with each new round. However, this mode is frightening not only for its difficulty. Battles represent the dwarves' nightmares, in which they face their fears and overcome disturbing memories of imprisonment in Gnomontanomo. We hope that in the final version of the game, players will have the opportunity to compete with each other while going through these dreams. Perhaps the influence of these nightmares on reality will bring unexpected surprises that the developers are preparing for the release.

Breakthrough

Union of Gnomes is an original variation of the card roguelike, which will not only diversify your evenings but also be a great entertainment during lunch breaks. The game already offers extensive content, and the developers plan regular updates with new story acts, bosses, monsters, and, of course, new dwarves. The team's unique ideas fit seamlessly into the genre's tradition, enriching the familiar gameplay. Union of Gnomes stands out for its bright and funny style: even if you don't like some of the jokes that slip into the story and dialogue, the colorful and menacing appearance of the gnomes will create the right mood and immerse you in the atmosphere of battles.

Union of Gnomes currently has a limited number of reviews on Steam, but we hope it will attract players' attention, as it is a truly worthy project. If you're not ready to buy the game yet, but the concept intrigues you, we recommend trying the free prologue, Union of Gnomes: Prologue. This prologue not only introduces the basics of dwarven revolutionary activity but also offers a unique storyline that differs from the full version of the game. Inspired by the project, we decided to ask a few questions to one of the creators and mastermind behind Union of Gnomes, Katerina Chirkova.

Interview with Katerina Chirkova

Mother of the Gnomes: The Hoolignomes Art Machine. This unique project combines creativity and technology to create vibrant and memorable content. Hoolignomes is an art machine that inspires creativity and allows users to interact with the world of gnomes.

Each work created with Hoolignomes reflects individuality and style, bringing elements of magic and fantasy into everyday life. This project not only entertains but also stimulates the imagination, offering new creative ideas. The Mother of the Gnomes becomes a symbol of inspiration for artists and art lovers, uniting them around a common idea.

By delving into the world of Hoolignomes, you will discover a wealth of opportunities for self-expression and a creative approach to art.

Photo: Katerina Chirkova's personal archive

In this text, we present information about Katerina Chirkova and her achievements. Katerina is a talented professional in her field, and her work arouses interest and admiration. Her personal archive contains unique photographs and materials that highlight her creativity and skill. We are confident that Katerina's work will inspire many and become a role model.

The concept of the dwarven uprising was the result of an in-depth analysis of folklore and mythology, in which dwarves are often depicted as hardworking and skilled creatures, but at the same time, often oppressed by more powerful races. The idea of ​​​​stirring up a dwarven uprising arose from the desire to show them as independent and strong characters, capable of fighting for their rights and freedom. This not only allows me to explore their character but also creates an intriguing narrative in which the gnomes resist oppression and seek justice. This concept opens up opportunities to explore themes related to the struggle for freedom, social justice, and the power of unity in difficult times.

Gnomes have become a familiar motif in my work. As part of an experiment to improve my skills, I decided to create a drawing every day for a year, reflecting a date and month. Each month had its own unique theme, and each day presented an interesting fact that inspired a new piece. Thus, images of gnomes gradually appeared in my works, becoming a symbol of this creative path.

Gnomes are unique characters with more freedom than ordinary people. Their mischief is forgiven thanks to their sincerity and good nature. Gnomes are capable of doing things many of us would like to do but hesitate to: making an obscene gesture to a driver who cuts us off, drinking a leftover cocktail, or loudly singing songs on the street. These are wild, cheerful, and simple actions that reflect our inner selves. A gameplay story that surprises the player is crucial. This requires creating a suitable setting. A fairytale world full of vibrant princesses and monsters serves as a backdrop for the events, but it also reflects reality: cynicism, propaganda, overconsumption, addiction, advertising, and oligarchy. In this context, the gnomes become a symbol of human disobedience, always ready to rebel and rebel.

Creating a satirical game can be challenging. Humor is a complex subject that requires not only sharpness but also an understanding of boundaries. It's important to consider that jokes can be received differently depending on the audience. We regularly test our jokes on colleagues and acquaintances to understand how they are received and how effective they are. This approach helps avoid misunderstandings and makes humor more universal and accessible to a wider audience.

I often use crude jokes and can offend unprepared people with my harshness. Unfortunately, this is difficult to manage, especially considering that I grew up in a disadvantaged environment. My approach is based on feeling: if at least half the people understand my jokes, then they are okay to use; if only a small percentage understands them, it is better to refrain from using them.

One of the biggest challenges I face is cultural differences. I remain interested in how the Chinese perceive humor. Do they understand jokes, and how do they respond to them?

I strive to create references on various levels. My jokes include elements that are unique to our culture, as well as jokes that gamers will appreciate. There is also a universal joke that is understood in different languages: Gnomontanomo. This shows that humor can unite, even when dealing with difficult topics like prison.

References that may only be understood by a narrow circle of people are truly valuable. When an idea or concept resonates with such a person, it evokes a sense of childish delight.

The boss Zudwa is a unique enemy in the game. His visual appearance and abilities make him a memorable character. Zudwa has a powerful attack pattern and combat strategy, which requires players to be highly focused and carefully prepared. To successfully defeat Zudwa, it is important to study his behavior and weaknesses, as well as optimally distribute his team's resources. Preparing for the fight with this boss involves choosing the right equipment and tactics, which will make the fight more effective and productive.

Union of Gnomes is intriguing due to its replayability potential. Currently, the game features an "Endless Nightmare" mode, which offers players the opportunity to endlessly explore the world and face new challenges. However, the main campaign appears to have a closed storyline, which may create a feeling of limitation. It's important to note that even with a clear storyline, the developers may introduce additional elements, such as alternate endings or multiple choices, that would significantly increase replayability. How much variety the game will offer upon release remains to be seen, and time will tell how deep its gameplay mechanics will be.

We strive to avoid forcing players to replay the main campaign, allowing us to create a cohesive story and add engaging story-driven adventures and side quests. We've developed a gripping action-adventure tale. While working on the project, we realized that the world we've created is so rich that it demands a Secret Plot. Our story isn't simply linear; we offer two full endings with parallel arcs and two different antagonists. While most players only see one version, our plot contains much more.

For those who enjoy a challenge, the game features the "Endless Nightmare" branch. This branch not only offers challenging encounters but is also a vital part of the plot. It explores the nightmares of the dwarves who escaped slavery, lending the game deep meaning and atmosphere. Explore dark dreams that shouldn't come true and immerse yourself in a world full of dangers and mysteries.

Currently, the gameplay is in an arena format, but we plan to significantly expand its capabilities by the full release. The game will be more intense, complex, and replayable, providing players with a unique and engaging experience. We strive to create a dark atmosphere that will immerse you in the game world and maintain interest for a long time.

Union of Gnomes is not just a card game, but an entire gaming adventure. It features character leveling, which makes the game more engaging and deeper. Instead of traditional skill cards, players control a "team," introducing elements of tactics and strategy. A cohesive plot and diverse quests lend the game a role-playing feel, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of gnomes on a new level. Will new features of this genre be expected at release? The answer to this question will depend on further updates and the game's development.

We started with the concept of a session-based roguelike with deck-building mechanics and began experimenting. Our deck consists of gnomes led by a hero, and we sought ways to present them as living characters. This is where RPG elements came in handy: leveling up the hero, developing talents, and "animating" the cards. This allowed cards to become an integral part of the game world, creating a deeper and more engaging atmosphere.

Combining RPGs with other genres is driven not only by gameplay. Our goal is to provide players with tools for creating unique decks and heroes, as well as the opportunity to assemble the perfect build with an optimal set of stats and perks. We strive to give players the feeling that they can "break" the game, finding ideal combinations and finding unconventional approaches to gameplay. This creates a unique experience and allows each player to feel their own individuality and creative approach to the game.

As we prepare for the full release, we plan to introduce new RPG-specific features. In particular, we will expand the talent tree for heroes, allowing players to create more unique and diverse characters. We are also currently considering the possibility of implementing custom changes for dwarves and equipment modifications on vehicles, which will significantly expand the possibilities of the squad builder. While balancing all of these new features will present a significant challenge, we are confident in our abilities and ready for this challenge.

Creating new dwarves is an exciting process that combines various approaches. We often begin by developing a concept for an ability or a unique design for the dwarf, which helps establish the character's tone and atmosphere right away. However, inspiration also often comes from interacting with other elements of the world, which can also lead to the creation of interesting and memorable dwarves. Finding a balance between originality and the ability to integrate a new character into the existing universe is crucial, making the dwarf creation process multifaceted and dynamic.

We have compiled a list of mechanics we plan to implement. Some of these will be implemented, while others will not. When the need arises for a new batch of dwarves, we analyze what mechanics are needed in the game and focus on developing them. During this process, we develop associations: we begin to understand who the dwarf is, what kind of weapons they have, and what kind of personality they have. This understanding is an important part of the artist's work.

From the very beginning, I introduced color differentiation for the dwarves to make it easier for players to distinguish them. This is how the dwarven clans came into being. For example, attacking dwarves are distinguished by red, poison masters by light green, and those who work with mana wear blue clothing. Specialists working with complex mechanics use yellow elements in their clothing. This system helps players quickly identify the roles of gnomes and improves gameplay.

Our team has a special love for One of the employees expresses a fondness for sausages. Sausages are appealing for their versatility and ease of preparation. They're perfect for both a quick snack and a full meal. Furthermore, sausages can be used in a variety of dishes, from hot dogs to casseroles, making them a popular choice among colleagues. This love of sausages brings us together, creating a cozy atmosphere during shared lunches.

It's funny. A group of little people in hats sets off to change the world, armed with sausages. Interestingly, the world really does revolve around sausages! And which sausage to choose—your own, your neighbor's, or the universal one—is up to you.

Union of Gnomes is now available for purchase on Steam, GOG, and VK Play. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of gnomes and enjoy a unique gaming experience. Get Union of Gnomes on your favorite platform and dive into exciting adventures.