In Brandon Sanderson’s captivating Mistborn series, certain individuals wield the intriguing ability to metabolize metals to unleash magical powers. These characters may ignite pewter to bolster their physical strength or use brass to calm another’s emotions. However, reigning supreme are the Mistborn, who can manipulate multiple metals and blend their capabilities, enabling them to essentially soar through the air and even glimpse into the future.
Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game captures Sanderson’s uniquely crafted magic system, inviting players to harness the formidable might of a Mistborn by devising intricate combos that efficiently utilize their metals. The challenge lies in either successfully completing three missions—each supporting progress with enticing rewards—or outmaneuvering opponents by depleting their health to zero.
As the game progresses, characters become increasingly potent, gaining the capacity to burn more of the eight types of metals available each turn. These metals activate cards that facilitate advancement on mission tracks, enable attacks against other players, or refine one’s deck by acquiring new cards or discarding weaker starting ones. Many cards come with kickers that unleash stronger effects if you burn additional metals of the same type, encouraging players to hone their specialization. Alternatively, a broader approach involves flaring metals, placing them on cooldown until they are re-energized with a similar card in subsequent turns—a strategy I found myself underutilizing early on, missing the opportunity to significantly enhance my deck.
A unique twist in the game is how it handles damage. In matches with three or four players, one participant is designated the target and is the sole player eligible for attack. This role isn’t just a disadvantage, since the target can retaliate, dealing damage to all opponents during their assault. After experiencing damage, they can opt to pass the token to another player or retain it. This mechanism cleverly prevents teamups against the leading contender, yet it can also be strategically retained by a player with a more aggressive deck style.
I’m excited to delve into fresh strategies and explore the game’s cooperative mode, which resonates closely with the series’ storyline where Mistborn unite against the oppressive Lord Ruler. The game seems perfectly poised for expansion, with the potential to introduce more characters from the series, along with plot elements extending beyond the initial book.
