From the back of the box:

Strategy is your most powerful weapon. Use it wisely and claim victory.

Go head to head! Choose to play as Dan or Masquerade in this action-packed board game. It's one part chess, one part card game and all Bakugan action. You have 13 warriors to command on the battle board, each with G-Powers and elemental bonuses. With your strategic use of playing cards, you can either bring sweet victory or crushing defeat. Arm yourself with strategy and protect your Brawler at all costs!

Submitters' Note:
Looking at the rules, it looks more like "one part Stratego" more than "one part chess".