Guardians (1995) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Guardians is a fantasy card game that was released in in 1995. It is designed for 2-4 players and has a runtime of about 45 minutes. The game features secret unit deployment and is set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of powerful guardians battling for supremacy.

Game Components of Guardians

Deck: Each player assembles a 55-card deck from starter decks and booster packs.

Cards: Must include at least one Guardian, three Strongholds, and various other types such as Terrains, Shields, Magic Items, Bribes (Beer and Babe cards), and Creatures.

Battlefield: A rectangular 4×3 grid representing the disputed territories.

Stronghold Cards: Three cards placed in the row closest to each player.

Expansion Sets: Includes sets like Dagger Isle, Drifter’s Nexus, and Necropolis Park.

How To Setup Guardians

To set up Guardians, players first assemble their 55-card decks, ensuring each deck includes the required cards such as Guardians and Strongholds. The rectangular battlefield grid is placed between the players, with each player positioning their three Stronghold cards in the row closest to them. The two central rows are designated as the “disputed territories.”

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective:
– Defeat the enemy Guardian.
– Conquer all 6 squares of the “disputed territories.”
– Destroy five enemy Shields.

Gameplay:
– Players place cards in the disputed territories to battle for control.
– Use of various card types such as Creatures, Magic Items, and Bribes to influence the battle.
– Strongholds and Shields provide defensive and offensive capabilities.

Player Experience

Guardians offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience, praised for its ingenious combat system and intricate game mechanics. The game’s art, contributed by several notable artists, is a significant aspect of its appeal, though some critics have noted the sexist undertones in certain card designs. The dynamic battlefield and the variety of card types ensure that each game is challenging and unpredictable.

Pros

Innovative Combat System: The game’s combat mechanics are highly praised for their ingenuity and complexity.

High Replayability: With numerous card combinations and expansion sets, the game offers a lot of variety.

Engaging Artwork: The game features artwork from several renowned artists, adding to its visual appeal.

Strong Following: Guardians had a dedicated fan base in several regions, including Philadelphia, Ohio, England, and France.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be overly complicated for new players.

Sexist Undertones: Some card designs, particularly the “Babe” cards, have been criticized for their sexist content.

Outdated: As a game from 1995, some mechanics and themes may feel dated.

Personal Thoughts on Guardians

Guardians is a game tailored for fans of collectible card games who appreciate complex gameplay mechanics and unique artwork. Despite some criticisms regarding its complexity and outdated themes, the game remains a must-play for those who enjoy strategic card battles. It is particularly suited for experienced players looking for a challenging and engaging CCG experience. However, new players may find the learning curve steep, and the game’s sexist undertones might be off-putting for some.

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