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C-23 (1998) Board Game

ByMichail

C-23 is a card game released in 1998 by Wizards of the Coast. It is set in a science fiction comic book universe and designed by a team of experienced game designers, including Richard Garfield of Magic: The Gathering fame.

Game Components of C-23

  • Card Types:** Resource, Character, Combat, and Action cards.
  • Total Cards:** The original set includes 162 cards.
  • Theme:** Sci-fi, featuring HyperShock troopers vs. humanoid insects called the Angelans.
  • Publisher:** Wizards of the Coast.

    How To Setup C-23

    To set up C-23, players need to shuffle their decks and draw a starting hand. Each player begins with a set amount of resources, which are used to play characters, combat cards, and actions. The objective is to reclaim the Earth’s surface from the Angelans, so players must strategically manage their resources and cards to achieve this goal.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Hand Management:** Players must manage their card hands to optimize resource use.
  • Resource Management:** Using Resource cards to play other card types.
  • Character Deployment:** Playing Character cards to engage in combat.
  • Combat Resolution:** Using Combat cards to resolve battles.
  • Action Cards:** Utilizing Action cards to influence gameplay.

    Game Objective:

  • Play as HyperShock troopers to reclaim the Earth’s surface from the Angelans.
  • Defeat the Angelans by strategically playing characters, combat cards, and actions.

    Player Experience

    C-23 offers a simplified yet engaging card game experience, particularly for fans of sci-fi and Jim Lee’s artwork. The game is relatively quick, with games lasting around 10 minutes. However, it never gained the popularity it hoped for and is now out of print.

    Pros

  • Quick Gameplay:** Games are short and fast-paced.
  • Sci-Fi Theme:** Appealing to fans of science fiction and comic books.
  • Simplified Mechanics:** Easier to learn compared to more complex card games like Magic: The Gathering.
  • ARC System Compatibility:** Can be played with other games using the ARC System, such as Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.

    Cons

  • Limited Cards:** Only 162 cards in the original set, which can lead to repetitive gameplay.
  • Out of Print:** Difficult to find and purchase due to its failure and subsequent discontinuation.
  • No Expansions:** The planned expansion, Uprising, was never released, limiting the game’s growth.

    Personal Thoughts on C-23

    C-23 is best suited for casual card game enthusiasts and fans of Jim Lee’s artwork. While it didn’t succeed in the market, it offers a unique blend of sci-fi and card game mechanics that can be enjoyable for those looking for a simpler alternative to more complex collectible card games. However, its limited availability and lack of expansions might deter serious collectors and players seeking more depth in their card games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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