Mystic Market (2019) Board Game

Mystic Market is a card game designed by James Nelson and released in in 2019. The game is published by ThinkFun and falls under the categories of card game, educational, and fantasy. With a playtime of 30-45 minutes and suitable for 2-4 players ages 10 and up, Mystic Market combines elements of commodity speculation, hand management, open drafting, set collection, take that, and victory points as a resource.

Game Components of Mystic Market

6 Ingredient Vials

66 Ingredient Cards

20 Potion Cards

6 Supply Shift Cards

4 Reference Cards

75 Coins

Value Track with high-impact plastic and a wooden texture

Injection-molded insert for component organization

How To Setup Mystic Market

To set up Mystic Market, each player starts with 5 coins, 4 Ingredient cards, and 1 Reference card. The dealer shuffles the Ingredient and Potion decks, then lays out 5 Ingredient cards face up to form the market. Three Supply Shift Cards are randomly added to the Ingredient deck. The Potion deck is also shuffled, and the top 5 cards are placed face up on the table. The remaining cards are placed face down next to their respective markets. The coins are set aside to form the bank.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics

Ingredient Collection: Players can buy or swap Ingredient cards from the market.

Price Manipulation: Selling Ingredient cards updates the Value Track, changing the value of ingredients.

Potion Crafting: Players can craft potions using Ingredient cards for additional coins.

Supply Shifts: Random Supply Shift Cards can alter the market dynamics.

Game Objective

The goal is to accumulate the most coins by strategically buying, selling, and using Ingredient cards and potions.

Player Experience

Mystic Market offers a delightful blend of strategy and fun, appealing to both families and serious gamers. The game’s unique Value Track and market mechanics make each decision impactful, as players must time their purchases and sales carefully. The high-quality components, including the visually appealing Ingredient vials and the injection-molded insert, enhance the overall experience. While the game is generally quick to learn, understanding the potion cards may take a bit more time.

Pros

Engaging Theme: A magical theme with fantastical ingredients like dragon scales and phoenix tears.

Unique Mechanics: The Value Track and market manipulation add a fresh twist to set collection games.

High-Quality Components: Attractive and durable components, including the Ingredient vials and the game board.

Educational Value: Enhances strategy, math skills, and introduces players to economics and value theory.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range, including children, teens, and adults.

Cons

Game Length: Some players feel the game ends a bit too quickly, not allowing enough time to fully execute their strategies.

Potion Usage: Potion cards are often underutilized, as they may not offer significant monetary benefits compared to selling ingredients.

Personal Thoughts on Mystic Market

Mystic Market is an excellent choice for those who enjoy set collection games with a unique twist. It is perfect for families looking for a game that is both fun and educational, as well as for gamers seeking a light yet strategic experience. The game serves as a great bridge for non-gamers into more complex designer games due to its straightforward mechanics and engaging gameplay. While it may not be perfect, its clever market mechanics and high-quality components make it a standout in its category.

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