Mystic Vale (2016) Board Game

Mystic Vale is a card game designed by John D. Clair and released in 2016 by Alderac Entertainment Group. The game incorporates elements of deck-building, bag-building, and pool-building mechanics, making it a unique and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Mystic Vale

80 Starting cards divided into 4 identical decks (Beastbrothers, Dawnseekers, Lifewardens, Waveguards)

252 Advancements (96 Level 1, 84 Level 2, 72 Level 3)

18 Fertile Soil advancements

90 Vale cards (47 Level 1, 43 Level 2)

4 Reference cards

16 Leaders

14 Conclaves

30 Dividers

44 1-point VP tokens

12 5-point VP tokens

4 Mana tokens

8 Amulets

100 Card sleeves

1 Rulebook

1 Playmat

160 Spirit tokens (40 Animal, 40 Forest, 40 Sky, 40 Wild)

How To Setup Mystic Vale

To set up Mystic Vale, each player selects one of the four starting decks. Each deck contains 20 cards. Players also receive a set of starting cards, mana tokens, and spirit tokens. The advancement and vale card pools are prepared according to the rules, and the game area is set up with the playmat and dividers. The Essential Edition includes additional components such as expansions and wooden spirit tokens, which can enhance the setup and gameplay experience.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Crafting System: Players build and customize individual cards by adding advancements and vale cards.

Deck/Pool Building: Players expand their deck’s capabilities without increasing the number of cards.

Press Your Luck: Players flip cards from their deck until a third red decay symbol appears, risking their turn ending prematurely if a fourth decay symbol is drawn.

Objective: Score the most victory points by playing cards, gaining advancements, and using vale cards wisely.

Player Experience

In Mystic Vale, players take on the roles of druidic clans trying to cleanse a curse from the land. The game is deeply satisfying due to its innovative card crafting system, which allows players to transform basic cards into powerful tools. The tactile experience of sliding advancements into the cards and the strategic depth of managing resources and risks make the game engaging. However, the game can feel recursive, especially in the latter stages, and the setup can be more time-consuming than ideal.

Pros

Innovative Card Crafting: Allows players to customize individual cards extensively.

Strategic Depth: Offers a variety of strategies and decision-making opportunities.

Tactile Experience: The physical act of adding advancements to cards is highly satisfying.

Expansions: The Essential Edition includes multiple expansions that add variety and depth to the game.

Cons

Setup Time: The game requires a bit more setup than other games of its length.

Limited Interaction: There is minimal direct interaction between players, which might not appeal to everyone.

Risk Mechanism: The decay mechanism can lead to significant setbacks if not managed carefully.

Personal Thoughts on Mystic Vale

Mystic Vale is ideal for players who enjoy deck-building games with a unique twist. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate strategic planning, resource management, and the satisfaction of building custom cards. While it may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer more interactive gameplay, Mystic Vale offers a rich and rewarding experience that stands out in the world of card games. The Essential Edition is highly recommended for new players, as it includes a wealth of content that enhances the base game significantly.

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