The Tea Dragon Society Card Game (2018) Board Game

The Tea Dragon Society Card Game is based on the graphic novel “The Tea Dragon Society” by Katie O’Neill. It was designed by Josh T. McDowell and Kay O’Neill, and published by Oni Games and Renegade Game Studios in in 2018. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of caretakers of adorable tea dragons.

Game Components of The Tea Dragon Society Card Game

4 Tea Dragon cards

1 Mentor card

24 Memory cards (6 cards each for spring, fall, winter, and summer)

28 Market cards

48 Starter cards (12 cards each in 4 decks)

4 Player aid cards

Rulebook

Comic quick-start rules

How To Setup The Tea Dragon Society Card Game

To set up the game, each player chooses or is given one of the four Tea Dragons, each with its own special ability. The market cards and memory cards for the spring season are laid out on the table. Each player starts with a starting deck of cards placed face down in their play area.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics: Deck-building, resource management

Game Category: Family, Light Strategy

Objective: Increase the bond with your Tea Dragon by making memories and scoring points over the course of four seasons. The player with the most points at the end of winter wins.

Turn Actions:
– Draw a card from your deck and place it face up in your hold.
– Buy a card from the market to improve your deck or score points.

Seasonal Progression: The game progresses through four seasons, with memory cards available for each season. Buying memory cards allows you to reshuffle your discards and deck.

Player Experience

The game offers a zen and laid-back experience, ideal for families and light gamers. Players must strategize between buying low-value cards quickly or saving up for higher-value cards, while also managing the memory cards which are expensive but crucial for scoring points. The game lacks direct player interaction, focusing instead on individual deck-building and resource management.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: The game features cute and beautifully illustrated Tea Dragons.

Family-Friendly: No hidden information and no direct player-on-player conflict.

Simple to Learn: Great introduction to deck-building games for new players.

Strategic Decisions: Players need to balance short-term and long-term goals in their deck-building.

Cons

Lack of Complexity: May feel too light or lacking in strategy for experienced gamers.

Randomness: Market cards come out randomly, which can lead to frustration if the desired card is bought by another player.

Prolonged Endgame: The final rounds can feel like a slog as players aim to purchase the last memory cards.

Personal Thoughts on The Tea Dragon Society Card Game

This game is perfect for families, light gamers, and those looking for a casual, non-competitive deck-building experience. It is an excellent introduction to deck-building mechanics for new players but may not appeal to seasoned gamers seeking more complexity and interaction. The beautiful artwork and charming theme make it a delightful addition to any game collection, especially for those who appreciate the graphic novel it is based on.

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