Flash Duel (2010) Board Game

Flash Duel is a two-player card game released in 2010, designed by David Sirlin. It falls under the categories of card game, fantasy, and fighting, with a runtime of about 5 minutes per game. The game features hand management and variable player powers as its main gameplay mechanisms.

Game Components of Flash Duel

20 unique characters, each with three special abilities

21st character: Deathstrike Dragon, a powerful super character

Numbered cards (five copies of each number 1 through 5)

18-space linear track board

Character standups and ability cards

Portable version for 2-player games

Deluxe version with wooden components (box, board, victory coins)

How To Setup Flash Duel

To set up Flash Duel, players start by shuffling the deck of numbered cards and dealing five cards to each player. The game track is placed in the middle, and players choose their characters, marking their positions on the track. Each character has their ability cards face up and ready for use. The game is quick to set up, making it an ideal filler game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Usage: Players use numbered cards to move, push opponents, attack, perform dashing strikes, or block attacks.

Character Abilities: Each character has unique abilities that can be used once per round, adding depth to the gameplay.

Linear Track: The duel takes place on an 18-space linear track, where positioning is crucial.

Objective: The goal is to land a hit on the opponent, winning the round. A game is typically best three out of five rounds.

Modes: Includes Simple mode, Full mode, Custom Clockwork mode, 2v2 team battle, Solo play, and cooperative play against the Deathstrike Dragon.

Player Experience

Flash Duel is designed for quick, fun matches that can be played in as little as five minutes. The game is easy to learn, with simple rules that make it accessible to new players. The variety of characters and modes ensures that each game can be different, keeping the gameplay fresh.

Pros

Quick and Fun: Games are short and enjoyable, making it a great filler game.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and intuitive gameplay.

Variety: 20 characters and multiple game modes offer a lot of replayability.

High-Quality Components: Especially in the deluxe version, with wooden components.

Portable: Includes a travel version for on-the-go play.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game is not suited for players seeking complex, strategic gameplay.

Cost: Some players feel the game is priced too high for its short playtime.

Rule Clarity: Minor issues with rule clarity in the rulebook.

Personal Thoughts on Flash Duel

Flash Duel is perfect for those looking for a quick, fun, and light-hearted game to fill gaps between longer games. It’s ideal for casual gamers and fans of fighting games, offering a unique blend of strategy and simplicity. However, it may not appeal to players who prefer deeper, more complex games. The game’s portability and variety of characters make it a great addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy fast-paced duels with a touch of strategy.

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