Trickster: Champions of Time (2017) Board Game

Trickster: Champions of Time is a card game that was released in in 2017. It is designed by Beth Sobel and published by Action Phase Games and Indie Boards & Cards. The game is categorized as a card game and incorporates various mechanisms such as pattern building, take that, and trick-taking.

Game Components of Trickster: Champions of Time

Deck of cards: Featuring a colorful cast of characters, each with unique abilities.

Character cards: Representing different champions with special powers.

Time ripples: Mechanic that introduces variability and strategy.

Scorepad: For tracking points.

How To Setup Trickster: Champions of Time

To set up the game, each player selects a champion card, which defines their unique abilities. The deck is shuffled, and a certain number of cards are dealt to each player based on the number of players. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The top card from the draw pile is turned over to start the discard pile. Players then prepare their starting hand according to the specific rules outlined by their chosen champion.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick-taking: Players take turns playing cards from their hand, with the goal of winning tricks.

Tableau building: Building sets and sequences to score points.

Set collection: Collecting specific combinations of cards to maximize points.

Unique abilities: Each champion has special powers that can be used to influence gameplay.

Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the game wins, achieved by strategically using their champion’s abilities and collecting the right sets of cards.

Player Experience

**Trickster: Champions of Time** offers a dynamic and engaging experience, blending traditional trick-taking mechanics with elements of tableau building and set collection. Players must balance using their champion’s unique abilities with strategic card play to outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s colorful and quirky theme adds to its charm, making it appealing to fans of both trick-taking games and more complex strategy games.

Pros

Unique characters: Each champion adds a new layer of strategy and replayability.

Combination of mechanics: Blends trick-taking with tableau building and set collection, offering depth and variety.

Colorful theme: Engaging and visually appealing.

High replayability: Multiple champions and variable setups ensure no two games are the same.

Cons

Complex rules: May require several plays to fully understand all the mechanics and strategies.

Steep learning curve: New players might find it challenging to grasp all the unique abilities and game mechanics at once.

Long setup time: Preparing the game for play can be more time-consuming than other trick-taking games.

Personal Thoughts on Trickster: Champions of Time

**Trickster: Champions of Time** is ideal for players who enjoy complex strategy games with a twist. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the depth of trick-taking games but are looking for something more innovative and engaging. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complex rules, it is definitely a gem for experienced players seeking a challenging and dynamic gaming experience.

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