Epic Card Game (2015) Board Game

Epic Card Game was designed by Robert Dougherty and released in 2015 by Wise Wizard Games. It is a fantasy card game that incorporates elements of fighting, prehistoric themes, and zombies. The game is designed for 2-4 players with a recommended age of 13 and up.

Game Components of Epic Card Game

120 cards, including Champions and Events

30 cards for each of the four alignments: Sage, Wild, Good, and Evil

Player health trackers (30 health per player)

Gold tokens (one gold per turn)

How To Setup Epic Card Game

Setting up Epic Card Game is straightforward. Players can either choose an alignment to play, draft a 30-card deck from the available cards, or have 30 cards dealt randomly to each player. For a random setup, each player starts with a deck of 30 cards and 30 health. The game begins with each player drawing a hand of five cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Hand Management, Combat

Mechanics: No resource tracking beyond one gold per turn; Champions and Events

Objective: Reduce the opponent’s health to zero

Turn Structure:

Gold Phase: Lose all gold, gain one gold.

Draw Phase: Draw a card, prepare Champions, trigger start-of-turn abilities.

Play Phase: Play cards, attack with Champions, use Events.

Damage Phase: Resolve attacks, apply damage to Champions and players.

End Phase: Activate end-of-turn abilities, discard down to seven cards, prepare Champions for the next turn.

Champions: Can attack or block; have attack and defense values.

Events: Can be played to affect gameplay; some can be played only during specific phases.

Player Experience

Playing Epic Card Game feels epic, with powerful cards that can significantly impact the game in a single turn. Unlike Magic: the Gathering, Epic strips away complexity, focusing on a streamlined, back-and-forth card play experience. Each turn, players have the opportunity to play a single gold-cost card and multiple zero-cost cards, making hand management crucial. The game’s balance is maintained through its limited but powerful card pool, ensuring that while individual cards are strong, the overall game remains balanced.

Pros

Accessible: Easy to learn, especially for those familiar with Magic: the Gathering.

Balanced: Despite powerful cards, the game’s design ensures balance.

Casual-Friendly: Geared towards a more casual audience, with non-randomized packs.

Quick Games: Games typically last around 20-40 minutes.

No Resource Tracking: Simplified resource system with only one gold per turn.

Cons

Randomized Decks: Can lead to inconsistent gameplay experiences.

Limited Card Pool: While balanced, the initial card pool is limited compared to larger trading card games.

One-Sided Games: Games can sometimes be very one-sided.

Personal Thoughts on Epic Card Game

Epic Card Game is ideal for those looking for a more casual, yet engaging card game experience without the financial commitment of a traditional trading card game. It’s perfect for new players who want to dive into the world of card games or for veterans of Magic: the Gathering seeking a simpler, yet still challenging, alternative. The game’s design makes it accessible and fun, with the potential for dramatic turns and strategies, all within a budget-friendly package.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.