EPIC SPELL WARS OF THE BATTLE WIZARDS (2012)

PLAYERS	TIME	DESIGNER	PUBLISHER
2-6	30 mins	Rob Heinsoo Cory Jones	Cryptozoic Entertainment

In this colourful card battler, players are rival Wizards who spend round after round unleashing powerful spells until only one is left standing. Then they come back to life and do it all over again.

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The main mechanic of EPIC SPELL WARS is the building of spells. Where it could have been just a basic ‘choosing a card from your hand each turn’ card game, you are instead picking up to three cards to form your spell.

There are three types of cards. The Source, the Quality, and the Delivery.

The art is designed so that whatever you pick, there is some cohesion across the image when you lay them down.

The cards you play are tied to the initiative. Play a single card and your spell will be weaker, but you’ll go early. The Delivery cards have a number on them that will also decide.

Then there are symbols for different magic types. If you play a matching set of three, you get a nice boost.

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The game looks childish. And in a way it is. But that doesn’t make it an unfun game. The wacky art and fun spell component names are all part of the entertainment. Players will always be pointing out funny images, and if you’re not announcing your “Magma Gog’s Two Faced Cone Of Acid” as you unleash your spell, then you’re just not playing it right.

Sure, there’s not much in the way of tactics once the magical chaos starts flying. But this isn’t a BGG top 10 strategy game. This is a snacks and beer game. This is a family fun game. It’s not about victory, it’s about victory while everyone is laughing at the absurdity of what just happened.

And losing isn’t the end of it because you’ll be able to draw a Dead Wizard Card which mostly gives you a little advantage in the next round. You know. For revenge.

EPIC SPELL WARS is a fun card game that’s easy to learn and a lot of fun to play. While the art might not be appropriate for younger games, you could do a lot worse for a party game on you next evening with friends.