The Dark Order

Played at Planszówki w Spodku 2023.

At first glance quite generic card game that surprises with quite some depth.

The closest comparison I have is Neuroshime: Hex, which is a good thing.

Each faction has its own card pool which is fully available from the beginning of the game, which might be slightly intimidating at first. Players use their life points to buy cards from that pool which would be then available during the actual gameplay phase.

Each player has their own 2x3 grid to play their cards onto. Depending on the position of the card they will be able to attack specific columns on the opponent's side and get a boost to initiative if they are placed in the front line. Apart from attack, health and initiative, units also have special "influence power". At the end of the battle you sum up all the influence on your cards and compare it with your opponent's influence. Whoever has most wins the location. Best of 5 wins the whole game.

Players have also at their disposal instant maneuvers and item cards that can turn the tides of the battle.

Another interesting thing are 3 seperate wincons. The game can end when:

• Player runs out of life points (that are used to buy cards).
• Player wins 3 battles out of 5 locations
• Player loses their leader - a special unit that can be summoned whenever without paying the cost.

Game is really interesting and I recommend trying it out.