Sorcery: Contested Realm (2022) Board Game

Sorcery: Contested Realm is a fantasy card game released in 2022, designed by a team of talented individuals including Francesca Baerald, Melissa Benson, Adam Burke, Santiago Caruso, and more. The game is set in a mystical realm where players engage in battles using cards and strategic gameplay. With stunning artwork by Erik’s Curiosa Limited, Sorcery: Contested Realm offers an immersive experience for fans of fantasy and fighting genres.

Game Components of Sorcery: Contested Realm

Decks: Each player has an Atlas Deck and a Spellbook.

Cards: Elemental Spells, fantastical Minions, persistent Auras, and rare Relics.

Grid: A 5 x 4 grid representing “The Realm”.

Art: Traditional hand-painted art using mediums like oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen, and pencil.

Box: The Alpha print run included 29,000 boxes.

How To Setup Sorcery: Contested Realm

To set up the game, players begin by assembling their decks, which include their Atlas and Spellbook. The game is played on a 5 x 4 grid that represents “The Realm”. Each player starts with their Avatar and a set of starting cards. The objective is to increase territory by playing cards from the Atlas Deck and populating these sites with minions to defend and attack.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deckbuilding: Players assemble their own decks.

Elemental Spells: Casting spells using the four elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Wind).

Minion Summoning: Summoning powerful minions to defend and attack sites.

Aura and Relics: Using persistent Auras and rare Relics to influence the game.

Territory Expansion: Increasing territory by playing cards from the Atlas Deck.

Objective: The goal is to increase dominance and ultimately banish the opponent’s Avatar.

Player Experience

Sorcery: Contested Realm offers a rich and engaging gameplay experience that combines tactical strategy with a narrative element. Players can enjoy a deep and complex game that feels like a battle for supremacy, yet maintains a ‘kitchen table’ game sensibility. The hand-painted art and diverse range of cards add to the game’s appeal, making each game a unique experience.

Pros

Balanced Gameplay: No mana screw or flood issues, ensuring a balanced game.

Rich Artwork: Traditional hand-painted art by iconic fantasy artists.

Deep Strategy: Complex and engaging gameplay with various card types.

Community Support: Active community and helpful resources, including a Discord server.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game has a lot of depth, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Initial Investment: Collecting the necessary cards and decks can be costly.

Complex Rules: Requires time to understand the intricate mechanics and card interactions.

Personal Thoughts on Sorcery: Contested Realm

Sorcery: Contested Realm is ideal for fans of collectible card games and strategy enthusiasts. It appeals to those who appreciate hand-painted art and are looking for a game with deep tactical mechanics. The game’s balance and complexity make it a great choice for experienced players, while the supportive community and resources help new players get started. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its steep learning curve and initial investment requirements.

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