Challengers! (2022) Board Game

Challengers! is a board game released in 2022 by 1 More Time Games. Designed by Johannes Krenner and Markus Slawitscheck, with artwork by Jeff Harvey, the game falls under the categories of Animals, Card Game, and Sports. It offers a unique gameplay experience with a combination of deck construction, deck, bag, and pool building, finale ending, hand management, and open drafting mechanics.

Game Components of Challengers!

2 Rulebooks

336 Cards

4 Playmats

4 Disks

40 Fan tokens

28 Trophy tokens

3 Card Trays[4″.

How To Setup Challengers!

To set up Challengers!, each player starts with a base deck of six cards, each with a base power ranging from 1-4 points. The game includes four playmats representing different parks where battles take place. Players also receive fan tokens, trophy tokens, and card trays to organize their decks. Before the game begins, players determine which park they will compete in using Plan cards, which randomize the opponents for each round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-Building: Players improve their decks by adding new cards before each round.

Auto-Battler: Players engage in automated battles using cards from their deck.

Capture the Flag: The objective is to capture and hold the flag, with the winner earning fans and trophies.

Tournament Structure: The game consists of seven rounds, with the two players having the most fans at the end competing in a final match to determine the overall winner.

Bench Management: Defeated cards are sent to a player’s bench, and if the bench is filled, the player loses the match.

Player Experience

Challengers is designed for a wide range of players, from core gamers to those who enjoy party games. The game supports 1-8 players, with the best experience typically at higher player counts. Players must adjust their strategy each round as they add new cards to their deck and face different opponents. The game is known for its light-hearted artwork and the excitement that builds as the tournament progresses. However, it may not be as engaging in solo mode or with very low player counts.

Pros

Large Player Count: Supports up to 8 players with minimal downtime.

Strategic Depth: Offers important but not overwhelming decisions in deck management.

Randomness and Synergies: Random card draws and card interactions add a fun and unpredictable element.

Great Spectator Value: Matches are exciting to watch unfold.

Light-hearted Artwork: Features humorous and well-drawn characters.

Cons

Complexity for New Players: Situational rules on cards can be hard to parse.

Bench Management: Filling up the bench can lead to quick losses if not managed correctly.

Odd Number of Players: Introduces a bot player, which can be less ideal.

Catching Up: Difficult for players who fall behind early in the game.

Personal Thoughts on Challengers!

Challengers is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of strategy and randomness in their games. It is particularly suited for group game nights due to its support for a large number of players and the minimal downtime between rounds. While it may not be as engaging for solo players, the game shines with multiple players, making it a great addition to any game collection for those who value interactive and dynamic gameplay. The game’s light-hearted nature and the variety in deck-building ensure that each game is unique and exciting, making it a great choice for both casual and experienced gamers.

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