.hack//ENEMY (2003) Board Game

The .hack//ENEMY board game was released in 2003 and is based on the popular .hack multimedia franchise, which includes anime, manga, and video games. The game was designed by Chuck Kallenbach and Mike Reynolds, and features artwork by Decipher. .hack//ENEMY is a collectible card game that immerses players in the world of the .hack series, allowing them to battle as characters from the franchise.

Game Components of .hack//ENEMY

Card Types:
– Monsters: Used to score victory points.
– Playable Characters (PCs): Used for defense against monsters.
– Items: Increase and help PC characters’ stats (weapons and armor).
– Actions: Played face down to aid PCs in fights.
– Events: Simulate various occurrences in “The World.”
– Fields: Represent where characters stand in “The World.”

Card Rarities:
– Common: 36 cards.
– Uncommon: 36 cards.
– Rare: 36 cards.
– Xtra-rare: 12 foil cards.
– Premium Foil: 10 cards.

Starter Decks:
– Contain 60 cards, a playmat, and a rulebook.
– Include 5 premium foil cards per starter deck.

How To Setup .hack//ENEMY

To set up the game, players place their decks face down on the table. Each player draws a hand of four cards and then draws additional cards to ensure they have a total of five cards in their hand. Players cut their decks to determine the starting player based on the “destiny number” on the cards; the player with the highest number goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure:
– Draw a card to maintain a hand of five cards.
– Play a card from the hand.

Combat:
– Assign monsters to fight PCs.
– Determine the winner of each fight by adding the destiny number and strength of the cards involved.
– Monsters win ties.

Victory Points:
– Monsters that win fights are moved to the score pile if they have victory points.
– Achieve seven victory points to win the game.

Player Experience

.hack//ENEMY offers a fast-paced and fun experience with a lot of replay value. Games are typically short, allowing for multiple rounds in a single session. The game is easy to learn, with simple rules that are easy to memorize. The variety of card types and strategic depth make it engaging for fans of the .hack series and TCG enthusiasts alike.

Pros

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Quick matches allow for multiple rounds.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and straightforward mechanics.

Replay Value: High variability due to different card combinations.

Thematic Integration: Closely tied to the .hack series, appealing to fans.

Cons

Limited Availability: Discontinued and not widely available.

No International Localization: Only released in the USA.

Limited Player Base: Not as popular as other TCGs, making it hard to find opponents.

Personal Thoughts on .hack//ENEMY

.hack//ENEMY is ideal for fans of the .hack series and those who enjoy trading card games. Its fast-paced nature and easy-to-learn mechanics make it accessible to new players, while the strategic depth keeps experienced players engaged. However, its limited availability and lack of international localization may make it challenging for new enthusiasts to get into the game. Despite this, it remains a unique and enjoyable addition to any .hack fan’s collection.

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