Hey everyone,

I’m working on an early prototype of a strategy auto-battler called Kami, inspired by TFT with some light Mahjong-style mechanics, especially around discarding and reacting to what other players toss away.

▶️ Play the prototype (WebGL, no download):
Kami - Strategy Auto-Battler Prototype by Justin

It’s designed with mobile in mind, but for now I recommend playing on desktop due to current WebGL issues on mobile (e.g., pawn stutter, UI glitches). The final version will be a native iOS/Android app.

💬 What I’d love feedback on:

• Does the discard mechanic feel strategic and natural in the gameplay loop?

• How’s the pacing (gold gain, storage space, rounds, decisions)?

• Are the synergies and unit types easy to understand and fun?

• General thoughts on mechanics, balance, and flow

⚡ Quick Info (Updated):

• Fast-paced matches (5–10 mins)

• Discard system reworked: You now start with a full board and storage.

  • To buy a new unit, you must discard one you’re holding.

  • Discarded units are removed from the game—for everyone forever.

  • Strategy comes from managing limited space and watching what others toss.

• Dynamic storage system:

  • You start with 4 storage slots.

  • Storage shrinks as you level up or combine pawns, but periodically expands again and refills with random units.

• No selling: Every decision counts.

• 3-shop choices instead of 4: makes every offer feel tighter and more meaningful.

• Economy update:

  • Gain 1 gold per turn (resets each round).

  • You can now  save up to 3 gold. 

  • Win a round and earn +1 gold bonus.

• Types & synergies: Units have traits that grant bonuses when combined.

• New tutorial with screenshot callouts to help new players quickly learn the basics.

• Updated visuals: New shaders and outlines to help units pop and improve clarity.

📝 Optional feedback form:
https://forms.gle/abRineCzDefzntfeA

Thanks so much for checking it out!
All comments welcome—even short impressions help a ton 🙏

Quick update for anyone interested!

Based on some great feedback here and from playtesters elsewhere, I’ve made a few key design changes—most notably to the discard mechanic:

🟢 You now start with a full board and storage, and must discard something if you want to buy. So discard is now optional but tied directly into the gameplay loop. It feels way more natural and less like a chore.

🟡 I also removed the timer in Beginner mode, improved the tutorial with labeled screenshots, and adjusted the economy a bit (you can save up to 3 gold now for bonus income).

If you gave it a try before, I’d love to hear how the updated version feels! Or if you're seeing this for the first time, feedback—good or bad—is always welcome. Thanks again!