Elements is a spell-slinging card game for 2-8 players. Players can either win by reaching 20 gems or by being the last one standing. Players start the game with 20 life and 0 gems and cast spells of the four Element types.
Fire spells deal damage, water spells restore health, gem spells craft gems, and electric spells counter other spells. Spells have a power and a target. The power is the size of the spell's effect and the target is who is affected.
Spells of the same Element type can be combined to produce a spell that has the power of the combined spells and one of the targets of the original spells (chosen by the caster). A spell can be overpowered by a more powerful spell of the same Element type, which also counters the less powerful spell.
Game play uses a simple draft system: players are dealt 4 cards and keep 2 and pass 2. Players take turns (clockwise) casting one spell or passing the turn without casting. Rounds end when every player passes without playing a spell. Between rounds, players can purchase a Greatspell for 8 gems, which is a powerful spell that can only be purchased once per game (per player).
—description from the designer