Exceed: Shovel Knight – Hope Box (2020) Board Game

Exceed: Shovel Knight – Hope Box is a card game based on the popular video game Shovel Knight. It was released in 2020 by Level 99 Games, known for their high-quality board games with engaging gameplay mechanics. The game is designed by Fábio Fontes and features artwork that stays true to the video game’s aesthetic.

Game Components of Exceed: Shovel Knight – Hope Box

Four main character decks: Shovel/Shield Knight, Mole Knight, Tinker Knight, and Propeller Knight

Individual storage boxes for each deck

Spacers for setting up the playing field

Rule book

Erratum and advertisement flyer

Shovel Knight themed table mat with built-in spacers

Character gauges and hit point trackers

How To Setup Exceed: Shovel Knight – Hope Box

To set up the game, players first prepare the playing field, which can be done using the provided spacers or the Shovel Knight themed table mat. Each player selects a character deck and places their character on the designated starting space on the board (space #3 for one player and space #7 for the other). The table mat or spacers help in marking the nine spaces of the playing field and tracking hit points and character gauges.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Based Movement and Attacks: Players draw cards to perform moves, attacks, and defensive actions.

Character Unique Abilities: Each character has distinct abilities that influence gameplay (e.g., Shovel Knight and Shield Knight’s team-up mechanics, Propeller Knight’s range-based attacks).

Turn Structure: Players take turns in an order of advantage, which can be switched through certain actions. Each turn involves preparing (drawing cards), moving, attacking, or defending.

Hand Management: Players can hold up to seven cards in their hand, with the option to draw more cards during their turn.

Objective: The goal is to reduce the opponent’s hit points to zero.

Player Experience

Exceed: Shovel Knight – Hope Box offers a unique blend of strategy and fun, catering to both fans of the Shovel Knight series and the EXCEED Fighting System. The game’s design ensures that each character plays differently, encouraging players to experiment with various strategies. The gameplay is relatively quick, with matches lasting between 15-30 minutes. The high-quality components, including the durable cards and table mat, enhance the overall player experience.

Pros

Unique Character Abilities: Each character brings unique mechanics to the game, adding variety and depth.

High-Quality Components: Durable cards, storage boxes, and a high-quality table mat.

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Quick turns and engaging mechanics keep the game exciting.

Fun for Fans: A great option for fans of Shovel Knight and the EXCEED Fighting System.

Cons

Not Ideal for New Players: The complex mechanics and unique abilities make it less suitable for new players to the EXCEED system.

Character Balance: Some characters may be more challenging to play or balance against others, especially for beginners.

Personal Thoughts on Exceed: Shovel Knight – Hope Box

Exceed: Shovel Knight – Hope Box is primarily for fans of the EXCEED Fighting System and the Shovel Knight series. While it offers a fun and challenging experience, it may not be the best starting point for new players due to its complex mechanics. For those new to the EXCEED system, starting with one of the Street Fighter boxes or the Shadow Box (which includes Plague Knight, Polar Knight, Treasure Knight, and King Knight) might be more advisable. However, for seasoned players and enthusiasts, the Hope Box brings new and exciting strategies to the table, making it a delightful addition to their collection.

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