Unmatched: Little Red Riding Hood vs. Beowulf (2020) Board Game

Unmatched: Little Red Riding Hood vs. Beowulf is a standalone expansion for the Unmatched series, a highly acclaimed tactical combat game featuring iconic characters from literature, folklore, and history. Published by Mondo Games in 2020, this specific expansion pits the brave Little Red Riding Hood against the legendary hero Beowulf in a fierce battle for dominance.

Game Components of Unmatched: Little Red Riding Hood vs. Beowulf

Hero Miniatures: Pre-washed miniatures for Little Red Riding Hood and Beowulf.

Unique Hero Decks: 60 action cards (30 for each hero) featuring the art of Marc Aspinall.

Game Board: A double-sided board of the Heorot battlefield, designed by Ian O’Toole with two graphical treatments.

Sidekick Tokens: Plastic tokens for sidekicks.

Custom Life Trackers: Health dials for tracking life points.

Character Cards: Two character cards, one for each hero.

Basket Card: A special card for Little Red Riding Hood’s basket.

Rage Tokens: Three rage tokens for Beowulf.

Rule Book: A comprehensive rule book explaining the game mechanics.

How To Setup Unmatched: Little Red Riding Hood vs. Beowulf

Setting up the game involves placing the double-sided game board, distributing the unique hero decks to the players, and setting up the miniatures and sidekick tokens. Each player chooses a hero and their corresponding deck. The health dials and rage tokens are also placed according to the rules. The game board features the Heorot battlefield, which is central to the gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetrical Gameplay: Each hero has unique abilities and playstyles.

Card-Driven Combat: Players use action cards to execute moves and attacks.

Tactical Movement: Strategic movement around the battlefield is crucial.

No-Luck Combat Resolution: Combat outcomes are determined by player choices and card plays, not by chance.

Game Objective: The objective is to reduce the opponent’s health to zero.

Player Experience

Players experience a dynamic and action-packed game with deep strategic elements. The game requires a mix of luck, strategy, and mastery of the unique hero abilities. Little Red Riding Hood’s playstyle involves clever use of her basket and planning, while Beowulf’s rage mechanics make him a formidable brawler. The game is praised for its simple rules yet complex gameplay, making it appealing to both new and experienced players.

Pros

High Replayability: Different match-ups and unique hero decks provide varied gameplay experiences.

Great Production Value: High-quality miniatures, boards, and card art.

Deep Strategy: Rewards expertise and strategic thinking.

Mix-and-Match Heroes: Compatible with other Unmatched sets for diverse matchups.

Cons

Not Beginner-Friendly: Some players find the game complex and challenging to learn.

Limited Maps: The game includes only one map, although it is double-sided.

Potential Quality Issues: Some players have reported minor issues with miniature production.

Personal Thoughts on Unmatched: Little Red Riding Hood vs. Beowulf

This game is ideal for fans of tactical combat and those who enjoy strategic gameplay with a touch of asymmetry. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the unique twists on classic characters and the ability to mix-and-match heroes from different sets. While it may not be the best fit for beginners due to its complexity, experienced players will find it engaging and challenging. The game’s high production value and the depth of its gameplay mechanics make it a standout addition to the Unmatched series.

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