The world around you is … new, and … strange. But, what is … new? What is … life? You’re just trying to understand the world before your opponent can. Will you be able to compile your reality quickly enough?

What Is It?

Variable Player Powers / Deck Construction – Each player has 3 protocols, each which has 6 cards that they’ll shuffle into a single deck. Each protocol has unique cards / abilities for players to utilize throughout the game.

Area Control – Players will be playing cards matching their protocols to the 3 lines on the board. They need to have at least 10 value in a line and have greater value than their opponent to compile a protocol. Once all their protocols are compiled, they’ll win.

Who Is It For?

  • 2 Players – Head-to-head game
  • Ages 14 & Up / Mid-Weight Gamers – It’s definitely thinky and strategic, I wouldn’t use it as an intro game personally
  • Fans of abstract card playing games with pretty heavy that-that/player interaction

PROS

  • Aesthetics – Nice overall look / color scheme, clean graphic design
  • Components – Nice quality cards; Playmat (sold separately) is good quality and helps keep everything organized
  • Good replay value / variability based on what 3 protocols you combine
  • Usually feels like you have plenty of options on your turn
  • Smooth gameplay, snappy turns

CONS

  • Gameplay is fairly dry / repetitive
  • I don’t love that compiling discards your cards and your opponent’s cards because it can undo so much progress
  • Some rules are a bit vague with the phrasing for how certain cards interact (i.e. what cards can be targeted when)
  • Box shape is annoying for storage

Final Thoughts

The theme doesn’t do anything for the game in my opinion, it’s very abstract.

The card play is quick and smooth, and there is potential for cool combos and big moves. It has a lot of replay value with the different combinations for protocols, and it definitely rewards you for multiple plays because you get a better handle on the different card combinations.

Overall, the game is a bit dry for me, but if you’re a fan of abstract card games, it might be for you!

Additional Information:
My Final Rating – 5/10

Designer – Michael Yang
Artists – Nolan Nasser, Allen Panakal
Publisher – Greater Than Games, LLC
MSRP – $19.95 (game), $4.95 (expansion pack),
$19.99 (playmat)
Website

*I was provided a copy of this game to do this review*

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