Unmatched (review)

by Jason Webber

I have spoken before about game series/systems families that you not only love but also have to try and buy every single expansion/item. This time, the series is 'Unmatched'.

Just to get this out the gate early, I consider this game a modern classic and not only feels like a lifetime 'keeper' but one that looks to have endless potential for future output by the publishers, Restoration Games.



What's the deal?
This is an asymmetric skirmish/duel/battle game between two primary 'fighters' and sometimes their sidekicks. There is a 4 player variant (that i've only played once) but in my opinion it works best for just two players.

There are boards with a number of spaces on and players take turns to perform 2 'actions'. The core mechanic and the heart of the game is a unique deck of cards for each character. A player will typically play these cards to perform an attack or a 'scheme' or might 'manoeuvre' (move) and pick up a card. Managing your hand of cards is key and timing your moves and attacks can be an art.

Characters
The original four character box set contained IP free Sinbad, Alice in Wonderland, Medusa and King Arthur. Then came a set of Robin Hood and Bigfoot followed by a single figure set of 'Bruce Lee'. A fairly random selection of the mythical and literary and Bruce Lee, a movie icon. An odd mix but also very cool (to me). Then followed the licensed jurassic park set, Velociraptors and InGen. Since then a victorian literature set of Dracula, Sherlock, Jekyll and Hyde and the Invisible man and most recently a 'Buffy the Vampire slayer' set. More are on the way apparently.

The clever thing is that all these characters can play each other and most sets come with at least one unique board to play on. They all have different and thematic powers in their respective card decks which leads to almost endless variety. Learning how to get the most of a given character deck might also take several play throughs. For myself I really love exploring a deck for the first time and trying to work out how to play them.

Artwork
The artwork on the cards is absolutely stunning and evocative and whilst i'm sure this game would be great without it, it's something I highly value.



As new sets get released I really hope they maintain these incredibly high standards.

I'm not usually that into plastic mini's but these are very good and whilst they come without colour, they have been given a brown wash of paint which makes the most of the sculpting.

Why is it good?
On the face of it, this is a relatively simple game to get your head round and teach. My 9 year old daughter picked it up fairly quickly. Also a few of my hard core boardgamer friends warmed to it too. Simple and yet with a surprising amount of depth and tactical nuance. With games taking 20-30 minutes this can be a great warm-up/warm-down filler or if you play multiple games can be an evening in itself. I generally finish a game and immediately want to start another one, always a good sign!

I'm coming to realise that I have a special liking for easy to learn games with seemingly unlimited potential and decent tactical depth. 'Memoir '44' and recent purchase 'Flickfleet' immediately come to mind in this category.

Each time a new set comes out I just want to get it into the collection. With each addition it expands again the number of match-up permutations and playability. Who would match well against who, what powers might nullify a given character?

Who is this for?
Most obviously this works best if you predominantly play with just one other player (although 4 player is worth a try too). If you are a couple in lockdown this may be one to check out.

Apart from that you should be ok for a fun bit of confrontation, there are no draws in Unmatched! In games i've played it is unusual for anyone to get completely crushed. It is also noteworthy that there is a significant luck element. Some characters have 'killer' cards and if they don't turn up at the right time, it might not end well.

A mention should be given for liking the given characters themselves - are you a fan of victorian literature? The Cobble and Fog set may be for you. Huge Buffy fan? This is your chance to kick-ass with your favourite Vampires and their killers! Confession: I never watched Buffy 'back in the day' but I've recently caught up on the first season as a prelude to buying the set. I can't say that i've ever watched a TV show in order to get more from a board game before. Go figure.

Anyway, I think this is an awesome game and if you want to 'dip your toe in the water' maybe get one of the 2 player sets. They are self contained and work on their own. Warning, it may make you thirsty for more! Happy fighting!