“Will Tactic Ball work with only 2 players?” — Yes, and it’s the intended experience. The base game is designed as a 1v1 duel. Every mechanism — the hand size, the action economy, the formation choices — is balanced for two opponents reading each other across the table. A spectator mode for a third person to “manage” the bench is in the rulebook expansion, but the core is firmly 2-player.
“How long does a match take?” — Our target was 45 minutes, the same as a football half. In our recent playtests with new players, matches average 50-55 minutes including rules explanation. Experienced players finish in 35-40 minutes. The game has a built-in halftime mechanic — both players reshuffle and redraw after turn 15 — which naturally creates a break point.
“Will there be international team editions?” — We’re focused on the core game first. But yes — the card template system we’ve built is specifically designed to allow themed decks. National team editions, club editions, legendary squad editions. The infrastructure is there. We’ll announce plans after the base game ships to backers.
“Is there a solo mode?” — This was the most asked question by far, and we hear you. A solo challenge mode, where you play against an automated opponent using a decision tree card system, is in active development. It won’t be in the base game, but it will be a free print-and-play download for all backers at launch.