Chaos & Confetti

The Massive-Verse is a shared comic book universe published by Image Comics.  It includes comics series such as Radiant Black, C.O.W.L., and The Lucky Dead.  Solis Game Studios’ Pocket Paragon is a fighting card game that places combatants from different worlds into card based duels.  So, it only makes sense that these two crossover fueled properties would come together to create The Massive-Verse: Fighting Card Game (powered by Pocket Paragons).

In The Massive-Verse Fighting Card Game, players will take on the role of one of the Massive-Verse’s heroes, such as Radiant Black, Rogue Sun, and Inferno Girl Red.  Then, they face off in an asymmetrical, quick paced duel.  With simultaneous turns, the action never stops. 

Player Count: 2

Ages: 14+

Playtime: 5 – 15 minutes

GAME PLAY:

The game begins with both players picking one of the eight characters and taking their corresponding set of cards.  The paragon (character) cards and ultimates will be placed on the table, while the rest of the ability cards will be kept privately in each player’s hand.  Everyone’s health will start at 10 HP and 0 energy.

Rounds work in two phases.  First is the selection phase.  Players will select one ability card from their hand and place it face down on the table.  Once both players have placed their cards, they will flip them over to reveal.  

Next is the resolution phase.  First, players should check for counters.  Some cards counter cards of specific types. If a card is countered, it is sent back to that player’s hand and none of its effects resolve.  The player who countered the other, gains one energy and then their card gets to finish resolving as normal.  Any cards left on the playing field will inflict damage equal to the number in the top left corner and their other abilities will resolve.  Once used, cards are exhausted and placed in the discard pile.

Assuming no one has hit 0 hp or been executed, the next round begins and players will do it all again.  Gameplay will continue until one player is finished off.

To win, players need to reduce their opponent’s hp to zero or they need to play their weapon card while their opponent rests (which results in an instant win).  Players may play their rest card to gain energy, health, and regain exhausted cards.  

The energy players collect from counters, rests, and other abilities can eventually be put to use for passive and powerful ultimate attacks.

Players will do their best to outwit and strategize their opponents as they strive to be the last paragon standing.

OUR THOUGHTS:

While we definitely have quite a bit of experience with superheroes and superhero games, we are not well versed with the Massive-Verse line of comics and characters.  That means that while we definitely appreciated the game’s theming and art (which looks great), our final thoughts really come down to how well the game plays.

The Massive-Verse: Fighting Card Game is interesting because of its simplicity.  On the surface, the game feels like a more advanced form of rock-paper-scissors.  Both players choose a card, hoping to counter their opponent and maybe move them a little closer to their goal.  Thankfully, the game offers a bit more strategy because each character comes with nine cards (counting the character card) which are both uniform in terms of type but unique ability-wise, providing some diversity in game play. 

This is a game that benefits from multiple plays, giving players more familiarity with potential counters and advantages, and allowing players to figure out the best strategy for when to play card types. There is also some advantage in light card-counting, to help predict the odds of good and bad card plays.   

The Pocket Paragons game system is solid for a quick play experience, but those who want more depth of play or want to feel more in control of potential outcomes may be left wanting more.  The simple rules and fast action make this feel like a good entry level game into the hobby. 

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Massive-Verse Fighting Card Game is perfect for those looking for an extremely fast two-player game that still offers some strategy. As a quick to teach and portable game, The Massive-Verse Fighting Card Game is great for those looking for something easier to get to the game table or for a game that can be pulled out in brief moments of down time.  Obviously, fans of The Massive-Verse should also be checking out this game to hopefully feed their fandom.