In the captivating world of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series, certain individuals possess the extraordinary ability to metabolize metals, enabling them to perform feats of magic. For instance, burning pewter enhances their physical ability, while brass allows them to calm others’ emotions. Yet, the most formidable among them are the Mistborn, who can manipulate multiple metals and combine their abilities to essentially fly or even glimpse into the future.
Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game cleverly incorporates Sanderson’s well-structured magical rules, inviting players to step into the shoes of a Mistborn. The objective is to masterfully combine metal-fueled powers, creating intricate combos. Players strive to either accomplish three missions, which bring rewards as you reach key milestones, or outlast rivals by whittling down their health to zero.
As the game progresses, characters become increasingly powerful, gaining the ability to burn more of the eight metals each turn. These metals activate cards that help players advance mission goals, launch attacks on opponents, or refine their decks by acquiring cards from a central row or eliminating weaker starting options. Many cards feature additional effects, or ‘kickers,’ that are triggered by burning more of a specific metal type, encouraging players to specialize. Alternatively, players can opt for a more versatile approach by flaring metals, temporarily disabling them until rejuvenated by a matching card in subsequent turns. Reflecting on my experience, I wish I had embraced this tactic earlier to boost my deck’s efficiency.
One unique feature is how the game handles damage. In games with three or four players, one individual becomes the target and is the only one who can be attacked. However, this role provides a silver lining: the ability to counterattack all opponents whenever they strike. The target can choose to pass the target token after being hit or keep it, which cleverly prevents everyone from ganging up on the player who’s leading, yet it can be tactically advantageous for aggressive playstyles.
I’m keen to explore different strategies and dive into the game’s cooperative mode, which aligns more closely with the book’s narrative as Mistborn join forces against the oppressive Lord Ruler. The game feels brimming with potential for expansions, introducing more characters from the series and delving into storylines beyond its first book.
