While at LionCon this year, I was introduced to a new game by a neighboring vendor called Legends of Chaos. Legends of Chaos is a card game similar in style and design as Magic: The Gathering, but with different rules.
The game pits two or more hero characters against each other in a battle royale, using a myriad of weapons and sidekicks to defeat one another.
For people who are familiar with Magic: The Gathering, Legends of Chaos may appear to be a knock-off of the popular card game. At first glance, you would be correct. The gameplay is identical to Magic, except for a few elements. The game starts with choosing one of seven playable hero cards. These heroes determine how much health a player has at the beginning of the game and dictate which cards can be used based on their class.
Unlike Magic, Legends of Chaos does not use land or other types of energy cards. Instead of drawing monster cards to attack the opponent, the player draws weapon cards that can only be used by the player's hero or sidekick. A sidekick card, once drawn, can be added to the battlefield to provide additional attack and defense options.
Another element that differs from the Magic is the use of a "One/Two" card. The card dictates how many cards a player draws at the beginning of his/hers turn. The card always defaults at one each turn, but when a sidekick is played, the player can draw two cards the next turn. Each turn the card must be flipped, alternating how many cards can be drawn each turn.
For more information on their rules, it can be found on their website and they have a printable PDF as well.
Although the game may seem to only have a few differences in terms of gameplay and rules, I thought overall it was a fun little game that is early in its development. They have only the first series printed and they are working on the second series. It was cool to support an emerging card game company, even if they have an upward battle in front of them with the dominance of Magic: The Gathering.
What I will say that would help improve the game's success at conventions would be developing a stronger, more condensed explanation of the rules. It was confusing at first when it was being explained, but once I started playing it, I picked it up quickly. I hope the team can find a simpler way of explaining the game to emerging audiences.
What are your thoughts on this game? Has anyone played this game or would like to give it a try? Leave a comment below if you have and share with a friend. Also, expect a writing and giveaway update next week!
