In the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson, certain individuals possess the unique ability to metabolize metals to wield magic. They burn metals like pewter to physically empower themselves or brass to calm others’ emotions. However, the most potent among them are the Mistborn, who can manipulate a variety of metals to achieve feats like flying and even glimpsing into the future.
Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game takes full advantage of Sanderson’s well-crafted magic system, letting players embody the prowess of a Mistborn. The aim is to build complex combinations using their metal resources with maximum efficiency. Players can either strive to complete three different missions, each offering rewards as you hit key milestones, or focus on vanquishing rivals by depleting their health to zero.
As the game progresses, characters grow stronger, unlocking the ability to burn more of the game’s eight metals during each turn. These metals are essential for activating cards that can help players advance along mission tracks, launch attacks on opponents, or refine their deck by acquiring new cards from the center row or culling underperforming starting cards. Many cards feature additional powerful effects, known as kickers, which are triggered if you can burn more of a specific metal type, promoting a focus on specialization. Alternatively, players can employ a broader strategy by flaring metals, which puts them into cooldown until refreshed with a corresponding card in a future turn. Reflecting on my playstyle, I realized I didn’t leverage this early on to enhance my deck effectively.
The game introduces a unique twist on handling damage. In matches with three or four players, only one person is the target who can be attacked. It’s not entirely disadvantageous, though, as the target can retaliate against all opponents when they strike. When the target takes damage, they can opt to pass the token to another player or hang on to it. This mechanism cleverly prevents everyone from ganging up on the leading player and can be strategically retained by those with an aggressive play style.
I’m keen to explore more strategies and dive into the game’s cooperative mode. This mode resonates more closely with the series’ plot, where the Mistborn unite against the oppressive Lord Ruler. The game also seems primed for expansions, offering the potential to introduce more characters from the series and delve deeper into the narrative beyond the first book.
