Unmatched Game System

2019

Dive into Unmatched, a thrilling miniature fighting game. Experience unique no-luck combat, tactical movement, and heroes with distinctive abilities. Explore an evolving play experience with new heroes providing fresh challenges!

40
minutes

2 - 4
player(s)

Medium Light

About the game

Unmatched Game System is a captivating and highly competitive board game that combines elements of strategy, luck, and skill. Designed by Rob Daviau, Justin D. Jacobson, and Chris Leder, the game takes you on a thrilling journey where legendary characters from history, mythology, and literature come to life and battle against each other in epic duels.

The game’s setting is as varied as its characters. The battle arenas range from the ominous Dracula’s Castle to the serene landscapes of Arthurian Britain, offering a diverse and immersive backdrop for each game. This flexibility in setting contributes significantly to the game’s replayability, as each environment offers unique tactical opportunities and challenges.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

The ‘Unmatched Game System’ is a highly engaging board game that requires strategy and foresight. This game includes various components that contribute to its unique gameplay. Here is a detailed list of each component and how they interact with the game:

1. Game Board:

The Game Board is the main stage of the game where all the action takes place. The board is divided into different colored zones that dictate character movement and combat range. Players move their heroes and sidekicks across the board to engage in combat with opponents.

2. Heroes and Sidekicks:

Each player selects a Hero and associated Sidekicks to battle against their opponents. These characters are represented by high-quality miniatures and have their unique abilities and strategies. Heroes are the main characters and are stronger than sidekicks. Losing your hero means losing the game, while sidekicks provide additional support and abilities.

3. Character Decks:

Each hero and their sidekicks have a corresponding Character Deck of cards. These cards represent various actions like attack, defense, or special abilities that the characters can execute during their turn. The strategy lies in using these cards at the right time to gain an advantage.

4. Health Dials:

Health Dials are used to keep track of each character’s health. Each time a character takes damage, their health dial is adjusted accordingly. If a hero’s health reaches zero, that player is out of the game.

5. Tokens:

The game includes various Tokens that represent different effects or statuses in the game. These can be positive (like a power boost) or negative (like a debuff or restriction). Players can gain or lose tokens based on their actions or card effects.

6. Scenario Guide:

The Scenario Guide provides a set of special rules for each game scenario, providing diverse and replayable game experiences. The guide dictates the setup of the game, the win conditions, and any special rules for that particular scenario.

7. Rulebook:

The Rulebook provides all the necessary information about the game. It includes the game’s basic rules, detailed explanations of game components, and a guide on how to play the game. It is crucial for understanding the game’s mechanics and strategies.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Unmatched Game System is a unique board game where players take on the roles of iconic characters from mythology, literature, and history, and engage in strategic battles. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up the game:

Step 1: Choose Your Character

Each player chooses a hero deck that represents a character with unique abilities. The chosen deck contains a hero card, a sidekick card, and a deck of cards that will be used for maneuvers and attacks.

Step 2: Set Up the Game Board

Place the game board in the center of the play area. Each location on the board has one or more colored spaces that represent different zones. Players will move their figures across these zones during the game.

Step 3: Place Your Characters

Each player places their hero and sidekick figures on the starting spaces indicated on the game board. The spaces vary depending on the number of players and the chosen board.

Step 4: Shuffle Your Deck

Players should shuffle their individual decks and draw a starting hand of five cards. The rest of the deck is placed next to them to form their draw pile.

Step 5: Determine the First Player

Determine the first player by whatever method you prefer. Some options include rolling a die, youngest player goes first, or the last player to have read a book begins.

Step 6: Prepare the Health Tracker

Each player sets their health tracker to match the health points indicated on their hero and sidekick cards. Keep this tracker updated as your characters take damage during the game.

Gameplay Elements:

Maneuvering: During a player’s turn, they can draw a card and then either move their character or boost their movement by discarding a card.
Attacking: To attack, a player must be in the same zone as their opponent. They choose an attack card from their hand and play it face down. The defender can then choose to defend by playing a card face down. The cards are revealed, and the difference in their values is the damage dealt to the defender.
Special Abilities: Each character has unique abilities that are outlined on their hero card. These abilities can be used to turn the tide of battle in their favor.

The game continues with players taking turns until one hero’s health reaches zero. The player with the remaining hero wins the game.

Game flow Round and round we go

The ‘Unmatched Game System’ is a strategic board game designed for 2-4 players. It involves a combination of deck-building and tactical movement that requires players to manage their resources carefully while maneuvering their hero strategically on the game board. The game continues until one player’s hero is defeated.

Round Structure

Each round in ‘Unmatched Game System’ is divided into two main phases: the Recovery Phase and the Maneuver Phase.

1. Recovery Phase

In the Recovery Phase, players perform the following actions in order:

Draw Card: The player draws one card from their deck. If the player’s deck is empty, they do not draw a card.
Prepare: The player prepares their hero and sidekick, if any, by standing their miniature figures upright on the board.

2. Maneuver Phase

In the Maneuver Phase, players have two options to choose from:

Move and Draw: The player may move their hero and/or sidekick along the game board followed by drawing a card from their deck.
Scheme or Attack: The player may choose to play a scheme card from their hand or initiate an attack against an opponent within range.

During an attack, the attacker selects an attack card from their hand and places it face down. The defender may choose to play a defense card in response. Both cards are revealed, and their effects are resolved. The difference in the attack and defense values determines the amount of damage dealt to the defender.

End of Round

Once a player completes their maneuver phase, their turn ends, and the next player in clockwise order begins their turn starting with the recovery phase. The round ends when all players have taken a turn. The game continues with new rounds until one player’s hero is defeated, at which point the game ends and the remaining player is declared the winner.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

The Unmatched Game System is a strategic board game where players take on the roles of legendary heroes and face off in epic battles. During a player’s turn in Unmatched, they have a variety of options and strategic choices that can greatly affect gameplay. Here’s a thorough breakdown of these actions:

1. Draw a Card

The first action that a player can take during their turn is to draw a card from their deck. This action helps to refresh your hand and gives you more options for your upcoming actions. It also replenishes your resources, which you can use to execute more powerful moves later in the game.

2. Maneuver

The second possible action is to maneuver. This involves two steps – drawing a card and then optionally moving any of your fighters. The movement is determined by your character’s movement value. A strategic maneuver can help position your fighters for future attacks or retreat them from vulnerable positions.

3. Scheme

A player can also choose to play a Scheme card from their hand. Schemes are special actions that can provide various benefits or disrupt opponents. These cards are typically powerful and can change the tide of a match, but they also require careful timing and strategic consideration to use effectively.

4. Attack

The final action a player can take is to attack an opponent’s fighter. To do this, the player selects an Attack card from their hand and chooses an opponent within range. After the attack card is revealed, the defender may choose to play a Defense card. The outcome of the battle is determined by comparing the values on the cards.

Each of these actions has its own strategic implications and can greatly impact the flow of the game. Deciding when and how to use your cards, move your fighters, and launch your attacks are key to winning in Unmatched.

Draw a Card: Refreshes hand and provides more options
Maneuver: Enables strategic positioning of fighters
Scheme: Can provide benefits or disrupt opponents
Attack: Allows a player to potentially damage an opponent’s fighter

By understanding these actions and their strategic implications, players can make the most of their turn and plan their moves effectively.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

Unmatched Game System is a miniatures dueling game featuring fighters of all kinds – from the page of history to the pages of comics. The game ends when certain conditions are met that determine the victory of a player. Let’s explore the victory conditions and the necessary actions players must take before the final scoring.

Victory Conditions:

The most straightforward victory condition in Unmatched Game System is defeating your opponent’s hero. The game ends immediately when a player’s hero is defeated, and the opposing player is declared the winner.
In a multi-player game (three or four players), the last player remaining with their hero alive is the winner.
There are some characters with specific abilities or cards that provide alternative victory conditions. For example, if you’re playing as Sherlock Holmes, one of your sidekick’s (Dr. Watson’s) cards can heal Sherlock. This could potentially change the outcome of the game.

Actions Before Final Scoring:

Since the game ends immediately when a hero is defeated, there are no additional actions or scoring procedures after the game-ending condition is met. However, before reaching this point, players must take the following actions:

Playing Cards: Players play cards from their hand to maneuver their characters or attack their opponent. The choice of card can strategically impact the game’s outcome.
Maintaining Health: Players must keep track of their hero’s health. If a hero’s health drops to zero, the game ends, and the opponent wins.
Managing Decks: Players must also manage their draw pile. If a player’s deck runs out, they can no longer draw cards, placing them at a strategic disadvantage.

It’s important to note that the strategic use of character abilities, clever management of your cards, and the tactical positioning of your hero and sidekick are key to winning a game of Unmatched Game System.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In the Unmatched Game System, the game does not focus on a point-based scoring system like many other board games. Instead, it is a game of tactical combat where the goal is to defeat your opponent’s hero.

However, despite the lack of a traditional scoring system, understanding the game’s mechanics is crucial for victory. Each player’s hero and sidekicks have a specific amount of health points. The game ends when a hero’s health points are reduced to zero.

Scoring through health points:

Heroes: Each hero starts with a specific number of health points as indicated on their character card. These points decrease when the hero takes damage from an opponent’s attacks.
Sidekicks: Similar to heroes, sidekicks also have their health points. The loss of sidekick health points does not directly lead to a player’s defeat, but it can weaken a player’s overall game strength.

Attack and Defense:

Each player uses their deck of cards to execute attacks, schemes, and maneuvers. The number on the attack or defense card represents the ‘strength’ of that action. For an attack to be successful, the attacker’s card value must exceed the defender’s card value.
If the defender cannot or chooses not to defend, the full value of the attack card is deducted from their health points.

When it comes to tie-breaking rules, Unmatched doesn’t have usual tie situations due to its gameplay nature. The game concludes once a hero is defeated, that is, their health points are reduced to zero. The player who still has their hero standing is declared the winner.

If a situation arises where both heroes are taken out simultaneously, then it is considered a draw and no winner is declared.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

The Unmatched Game System is a highly engaging and strategic board game with a rich set of rules. However, it also includes some rare and special rules, as well as exceptions that might be important for players to understand. Here are some of them:

Maneuvering: When a player chooses to maneuver, they must first draw a card. Then, they have the option to move any or all of their fighters. However, it’s important to remember that each fighter can only be moved once per turn.

Attacking: While attacking, the defender can choose to play a defense card, or not. If they do, the attack value is compared to the defense value. The defender receives damage equal to the difference. However, if the defender chooses not to defend, they must take the full attack value as damage.

Boosting: Players can use cards from their hand to boost their fighters’ move or attack values. The value of the boost card is added to the move or attack value of the fighter. However, boosted attacks cannot be boosted by the defender.

Feats: Some characters have special abilities, known as feats. These can be used at any time during the player’s turn, but only once per game. Once a feat is used, the card is removed from play.

Here are some rule clarifications that might be useful:

If a player has no cards left in their draw pile when they need to draw, they shuffle their discard pile and create a new draw pile.
If a player needs to move a fighter but that fighter is surrounded by others and has nowhere to move, the fighter stays in its current zone.
If a player has no cards left in their hand when they are attacked, they take the full attack value as damage.
When a player’s hero is defeated, all of their remaining fighters are also defeated.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Unmatched Game System is a highly strategic board game that combines tactical maneuvers, powerful abilities, and careful planning. Here are some advanced strategies, beginner tips, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to optimize gameplay.

Advanced Strategies:

Use your character’s unique abilities to your advantage: Each character in Unmatched has their own special abilities. Learning these abilities and using them strategically can greatly enhance your chances of winning.
Manage your deck carefully: Your deck is your life in Unmatched. If you run out of cards, you lose the game, so be careful about how and when you use your cards.
Control the board: The board is divided into different zones. Controlling these zones can provide you with tactical advantages.

Beginner Tips:

Learn the basics: Understand the game mechanics first. This includes how to move, attack, and defend.
Practice with different characters: Each character has unique abilities. Playing with different characters can help you understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Use your cards wisely: Don’t waste your cards. Every card is valuable and can turn the tide in your favor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring your opponent’s maneuvers: Always be aware of your opponent’s moves. Failure to do so can give them an advantage.
Rushing into battle: Unmatched is a game of tactics. Rushing into battle without a plan can lead to a quick defeat.
Not using your character’s abilities: Each character’s abilities are what make them unique. Neglecting to use them can put you at a disadvantage.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Plan your moves: Think ahead and plan your moves. This will help you control the game and keep your opponent on their toes.
Use your cards strategically: Don’t just use your cards for the sake of using them. Think about the best time to use each card to maximize its effect.
Adapt to your opponent’s strategy: Be flexible and willing to change your strategy based on your opponent’s actions.