Codex: Card-Time Strategy – Starter Set (2016) Board Game

Codex: Card-Time Strategy is a card game designed by David Sirlin, known for his work on other strategy games. Released in 2016, the Starter Set is a great entry point for new players looking to dive into the world of Codex.

Game Components of Codex: Card-Time Strategy – Starter Set

37 Bashing cards

40 Finesse cards

2 game boards

2 patrol zone boards

Dial to track life totals

Chits to track other quantities

Rulebook

How To Setup Codex: Card-Time Strategy – Starter Set

To set up the game, each player selects their faction and shuffles their ten-card starter deck. Players set aside the three heroes and their worker card, which indicates the resources they will receive each turn. The first player starts with four workers, while the second player starts with five. Each player draws five cards to begin. The setup involves organizing the player boards, patrol zones, and tracking chits, ensuring all components are ready for the game to commence.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck, Bag, and Pool Building: Players build their deck as they play from a pool of cards in their codex.

Hand Management: Managing cards in hand is crucial for strategy.

Secret Unit Deployment: Cards can be added to the deck secretly.

Variable Player Powers: Each hero brings unique abilities.

Objective: The goal is to reduce the opponent’s life total to zero by building an army, summoning heroes, and attacking the opponent’s base.

Player Experience

Codex offers a deep and strategic gameplay experience with a unique blend of RTS elements and card game mechanics. Players must balance their economy, tech, and army composition, making each game dynamic and replayable. The game is turn-based, allowing for asynchronous play, which simplifies the complexity often found in real-time strategy games.

Pros

High Replayability: The game offers endless replayability with different build orders and strategies.

Non-Collectible: No need to purchase random packs or expansions; the core set provides all necessary cards.

Balanced Factions: Monocolor decks are competitive, ensuring balance in gameplay.

Engaging Mechanics: The patrol zone combat system and tech phase add depth to the game.

Cons

Complex Setup: While the setup is not overly complex, it may require some time to organize the codex and cards.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the numerous phases and mechanics overwhelming at first.

Limited Heroes: Each hero is unique, but there is only one copy of each hero, which may require houserules for multiple players.

Personal Thoughts on Codex: Card-Time Strategy – Starter Set

Codex: Card-Time Strategy is ideal for players who enjoy deep strategy and the flexibility of customizable card games. It is particularly suited for fans of RTS games looking for a turn-based card game experience. The game’s design ensures that it remains engaging and challenging, even after multiple plays, making it a great addition to any card game enthusiast’s collection. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players due to its complex mechanics and steep learning curve.

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