The Rival Networks (2021) Board Game

The Rival Networks is a card game released in 2021, designed by Heiko Günther and Travis Kinchy. It is published by Formal Ferret Games and falls under the categories of Card Game, Economic, with a theme based on Movies/TV/Radio. The game is designed for 2 players and has a runtime of 30-45 minutes.

Game Components of The Rival Networks

54 Network cards

24 Advertisers

8 Filler cards

16 Action cards

4 Score trackers

How To Setup The Rival Networks

Shuffle the Network cards and deal each player 8 cards.

Shuffle the Advertisers and Filler cards, then deal 4 of each to each player.

Shuffle the Action cards and place them face down in a deck.

Set up the Score trackers for each player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In The Rival Networks, players compete to build the best TV network by acquiring shows, advertisers, and taking actions to outscore their opponent. Players will draft cards, strategically place shows on their schedule, and manage their advertisers to maximize their network’s potential. The objective is to have the highest network score at the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Strategic gameplay with a mix of set collection and area majority mechanics.

Engaging theme based on the TV network industry.

Quick and easy to learn for 2 players.

Cons:

Limited replayability due to the fixed card pool.

Some players may find the game lacking in depth compared to other similar games.

Personal Thoughts on The Rival Networks

The Rival Networks is a solid 2-player card game that offers a decent amount of strategic depth within a relatively short playtime. The game’s build quality is good, with colorful and engaging artwork that fits well with the theme. However, the fixed card pool may limit long-term replayability for some players. The pricing and availability of the game may vary, but it can be worth your time if you enjoy quick and strategic card games with a unique theme. Players who enjoy games in the Card Game, Economic category or with a Movies/TV/Radio theme may find The Rival Networks to be a good addition to their collection. However, players looking for more complex gameplay or higher player counts may want to explore other alternatives in the genre.

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