by BRDGMZ
➡️ Read the full review in Dutch at brdgmz.nl
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What do you get when you mix the world of Shakespeare with tactical card battles, miniatures, and a touch of magic? In Unmatched: Slings and Arrows, you're not just stepping into a combat arena — you're stepping onto the stage. And the roles are played by none other than the Bard himself, along with a cast of his most legendary creations: Hamlet, Titania, and the Three Witches.
In this review, I’ll take you through this remarkable chapter of the Unmatched series. What sets this edition apart? How well does the theme come through? And most importantly — is it fun to play? Straighten your cloak, sharpen your pen or your sword — and read on.
A duel in the world of Shakespeare
If you’ve ever thought of Shakespeare as a bit dusty or dry, then you clearly haven’t played Unmatched: Slings and Arrows. In this unusual set from the Unmatched series, you come face to face with the Bard himself — and with a colorful parade of his most iconic characters. What if Hamlet didn’t just ponder the meaning of life, but also drew his sword against Titania, Queen of the Fairies? Or if the Three Witches from Macbeth brewed their potion and faced you in a magical duel? In this game, all of that becomes possible.
The theme is unmistakably Shakespearean, but it’s more than just a decorative layer. Each character feels like an extension of their original play: Hamlet wrestles with “To Be” or “Not To Be” every single turn — a mechanic that actually affects his gameplay. Titania uses glamours, enchanting cards that reflect her chaotic fae magic. And the Three Witches? They toss ingredients into their bubbling cauldron to cast powerful spells, straight from their sinister brew. Even Shakespeare himself joins the fray as a fighter — building poetic lines in iambic pentameter using the cards he plays. Once he hits exactly ten syllables, he must read his line aloud and triggers a dramatic bonus effect. Pure poetry — literally.
What makes this set so charming is how deeply the theme is woven into the mechanics. This isn’t just a skirmish with familiar faces; every character plays truly differently, with a style that fits their story. You don’t just feel like a tactician — you’re also a bit of an actor, a poet, a director in your own personal tragedy or comedy. And that’s what makes Slings and Arrows a surprisingly rich and original experience — especially for fans of Shakespeare, or for anyone simply craving a duel full of drama and magic.
A stage play in a box
When you open the box of Unmatched: Slings and Arrows, it feels like you’re stepping backstage at a theater production. The miniatures instantly draw the eye — beautifully sculpted and full of character. Shakespeare stands confidently, feather quill in hand and an unrolled parchment at the ready, poised to pen his next masterpiece on the battlefield. Hamlet looks tormented, holding a skull — a clear nod to his most famous scene, steeped in doubt, death, and philosophical reflection. The Three Witches each strike a unique pose, perfectly capturing their ominous and eerie aura.
The illustrations are stylish and atmospheric — slightly dark, with a touch of the fantastical, and thoroughly in tune with the theme. The cards are richly illustrated, with titles that could’ve come straight from the plays themselves. It’s not just great for immersion — it enhances the feeling that every move you make is a dramatic moment in an unfolding act.
What stood out to me is how well the components support each character’s unique mechanics. Shakespeare builds a row of cards to form lines of verse, complete with syllable counts. The witches’ bubbling cauldron sits quite literally on the table, collecting ingredients for future spells. Titania’s glamours lie face-up next to her deck, like magical relics that influence every turn.
And the game board itself deserves a mention: it feels like a theatrical arena. Zones and paths are clearly marked but also filled with thematic detail that evokes the world of Shakespeare. Everything oozes atmosphere — without sacrificing clarity.
In short, the production of Slings and Arrows is polished and deliberate. The game isn’t just nice to look at — it fully supports the theatrical theme on every level. Whether you're sipping wine or locked in combat with friends, for a moment you’ll feel transported to another time.
Game Setup (at a glance)
Here’s how to prepare the game before the duel begins:
1. Choose a fighter
Each player selects a character (Shakespeare, Hamlet, Titania, or the Three Witches). Every fighter comes with a unique action deck, miniature, health dial, and any specific tokens or sidekicks.
2. Lay out the board
Choose one side of the double-sided board and place it in the center of the table.
3. Place miniatures and sidekicks
Position your hero and any sidekicks on the indicated starting spaces. These are shown clearly on the character card or on the board.
4. Prepare your materials
a. Shuffle your action deck and draw 5 cards for your starting hand.
b. Set your health dials to the starting values indicated on the character card.
c. Place any special tokens or cards nearby (like the witches’ cauldron, Titania’s glamours, or Hamlet’s question token).
5. Determine who goes first
Randomly decide who takes the first turn. In Unmatched, players take turns, each with up to two actions.
6. Begin the game
You’re now ready to step into Shakespeare’s world — and fight for your place on the stage.
How to play
In Unmatched: Slings and Arrows, players face off in tactical duels filled with movement, cards, and unique powers. Each character plays differently, but the core rules are easy to learn.
Objective:
Defeat all opposing fighters. Once only your hero remains on the board, you win the game.
Each turn, you may take two actions from the following:
• Maneuver
Move your hero (and any sidekicks) on the board. You may also draw a card.
• Attack
Play an attack card against a nearby opponent. They respond with a defense card or take damage.
• Play a scheme or special effect
Play a card with a unique immediate effect — like a trick, enchantment, or surprise action.
What makes this set special?
• Shakespeare builds poetic lines in iambic pentameter. At exactly ten syllables, he reads his line aloud and activates a powerful bonus effect.
• Hamlet chooses each turn between “To Be” and “Not To Be”, affecting his attacks and abilities.
• Titania uses glamours — magical enchantments that shift each turn and offer passive effects.
• The Three Witches gather ingredients in their cauldron and cast spells after attacking for extra impact.
Timing and tactics matter.
Knowing when to move, strike, or hold back is key to survival. Smart defense and using your powers at the right moment can be the difference between a glorious victory and a tragic downfall.
Note:
The complete rules, including all exceptions and character abilities, are clearly explained in the included rulebook.
Between Wit and Strategy
As you begin to play Unmatched: Slings and Arrows, it quickly becomes clear this is far from a simple card-flipping game. There’s surprising depth in every turn, and that makes the game both tense and addictive. Tactical play is key: you're constantly evaluating where your opponent might move, what cards they could still be holding, and how far you can push without exposing yourself. But logic alone won’t win the day — a healthy dose of bluffing is just as important.
Sometimes you play a weak card on defense to save your stronger ones. Or you bait an attack, knowing you’ve got just the right counter ready to strike back. That psychological tension makes each duel feel personal. And yes, there’s luck involved — you work with the cards you draw, and sometimes they help, sometimes they don’t. But there’s always room to outmaneuver or outwit.
What makes this Unmatched set special is how each character enforces a different playstyle. Play as Shakespeare and you’re composing lines of poetry with exactly ten syllables. Pick the Three Witches and you’ll be collecting ingredients for spellcasting. And Hamlet? He’s locked in a perpetual inner battle between strength and self-destruction. This makes every game feel different — and that variety drives replayability.
Player interaction is immediate and constant. You can’t play passively here — your opponent is always right in your face. There’s no real downtime: even when it’s not your turn, you’re watching, anticipating, planning. You stay fully engaged from start to finish.
Whether you’re playing one-on-one or in a chaotic free-for-all with three or four players, Slings and Arrows invites sharp tactics, theatrical victories, and the occasional truly tragic defeat. It’s a game you set up with a smile — and pack away with a dramatic, Shakespearean sigh.
For Lovers of Duels and Drama
Unmatched: Slings and Arrows is best suited for players who enjoy direct confrontation, clever decision-making, and a generous splash of thematic flair. Do you enjoy reading your opponent, bluffing your way through tense moments, and exploring the strengths and weaknesses of asymmetrical characters? Then you’ll find plenty to love here. And if you happen to enjoy Shakespeare — even better, though literary affection isn’t required to appreciate the game.
Not for the Faint of Heart
This isn’t a game where you quietly puzzle through your own plans. On the contrary, it constantly pushes you to react, intervene, and take risks. You’ll need to be comfortable with competition. If you dislike being attacked or prefer cooperative, gentle experiences, this game probably won’t be a great fit.
What’s the Best Player Count?
Slings and Arrows shines brightest with two players. One-on-one, the game is sharp and strategic — the asymmetry stands out, and you can fully engage with each other’s tactics. With three or four players, it becomes a bit more chaotic and less predictable, though that can create some lively and hilarious moments. Just be aware: in multiplayer, ganging up is a real possibility, and if you’re the weak link, you might be eliminated quickly.
Who Is This Game For — and Who Isn’t?
In short, this is a game for players who love confrontation, character, and cards. If you enjoy tactical duels with plenty of variety and like outwitting your opponent — verbally or strategically — Slings and Arrows is well worth your time. But if you prefer a peaceful experience, collaboration, or games where you can quietly build up your own little engine, then this play might not be your scene.
Conclusion
Unmatched: Slings and Arrows is more than a clever dueling game with pretty miniatures — it’s a small tribute to the power of story, language, and character. What makes this set stand out is how deeply the theme permeates every corner of the game. These characters aren’t just fighters with special powers; they feel like real roles from a play, each with a style that fits their background to perfection. Whether you’re crafting lines of verse with Shakespeare, brewing spells with the Witches, or turning Hamlet’s existential angst into brutal attacks — it all works, beautifully.
At its core, the gameplay remains true to Unmatched: quick turns, direct interaction, and a mix of tactics, bluffing, and luck. The game is forgiving of mistakes but rewards clever timing and psychological insight. Replayability is high, especially thanks to how differently each character plays — and you’ll want to try them all.
That said, it’s not a game for everyone. Players who prefer cooperation, slow-paced planning, or more solitary gameplay may feel out of place. And while it works with more players, two is definitely the sweet spot: focused, thematic, and delightfully vicious.
In the end, Slings and Arrows is a thematically rich dueling game that blends originality with accessible rules and memorable moments. It might not be for every player — but for those ready to enter the spotlight with a quill, a sword, or a bubbling cauldron, this game offers a stage full of surprises.
Score:
(8/10)