Unkind Games has launched a Kickstarter campaign for their new board game, “Rivals,”. Having already doubled its initial goal of $26,659 with a current tally of $53,429 and 581 backers, the campaign still has 23 days left until it closes on October 12, 2023.
A Futuristic Universe with Classic Mechanics
“Rivals” is a 2-6 player board game that uniquely combines deckbuilding and Battle Royale mechanics. Set in a futuristic universe, players assume the roles of Ashaks fighting to save their clans from exile. The gameplay revolves around exploring an ever-shrinking map, collecting resources, and obtaining new weapons, skills, and tactics through deckbuilding.
How Does It Work?
The game unfolds across three eras, each consisting of several rounds divided into two turns. During these turns, players use two action points to interact with the arena, utilize cards for various actions, and engage in combat. The arena shrinks at the end of each round, adding a layer of strategy and unpredictability to the game.
The Art of Deckbuilding
Deckbuilding is a central feature of “Rivals.” Players start with a basic set of cards that act as weapons, tools, and skills. With more than 170 cards available, the game allows for a multitude of strategies. Whether you opt for melee or long-range combat, defensive or aggressive play, the cards you collect and how you utilize them can make or break your game.
Battle and Strategy
Fighting is almost inevitable in “Rivals.” Besides your deck, dice play a crucial role in your defense. Unique mechanics like Anticipation allow you to gather more dice for better defense, and the evolving arena map—made up of 43 tiles—provides additional tactical depth.
Play Online and Join the Community
For those eager to dive into the game before its official release, a full version of “Rivals” is available on TableTop Simulator. Moreover, there’s an active community on Discord, where you can join tournaments and discuss strategies with other players.