Mantle of the Keeper Kickstarter Preview

Initial Impression/Components: 

I only experienced the digital version of this game via TTS. However, I have in depth knowledge of the artist, team, and final production quality and components of the game through lengthy discussions with this group. The quality of these components is sound and the double layered board is always great to have for moving trackers. The two-sided modular board design was also a nice touch for replayability. Though I’m not one for getting excited for 3d minis, they are a crowd favorite and can be found in this game as well. Last but certainly not least, the art for this game was original and unique, completed by a fresh talent in the industry which they had the fortune of finding early in their design phase. 

Favorite:  

I really loved using the map’s terrain and special points (hazards) that are randomly placed on the board during setup to develop and adapt a strategy for success. Most notable for drastic strategy shifting is using a rift to quickly teleport across the map. Other points could give you a single movement boost or cost 1 damage point to pass over. 

Least Favorite: 

Occasionally, based on poor decision making (or more rarely, just bad luck) you can become physically cornered and/or have no card available to provide a viable good action choice. This doesn’t spell your defeat, but it usually doesn’t bode well. This is a contest to take up an epic title and as such, you should come prepared. 

Overall: 

The extended lore and room for growth in the legendary realm of Rym that they’ve created leaves me eager for this title and more to follow. Whether a follow up game, a comic, web series, etc., I see myself already wanting to know more on this magical land and its inhabitants. Without further ado, the pros and cons.

Areas they did well: 

– unique characters and abilities

– well tested and balanced

– modular setup

– system for resource management and purchasing upgrades

– battle interaction with players and use of gameboard

– good size player decks for variability in game

– interesting map and incorporation of terrain and obstacles

– game complexity and time

– attack and defense mechanic and how it relates to earning currency.

– multi-use currency

– ability to use cards to gain currency or use currency to gain cards eliminates being stuck with an abundance of one and a lack or the other.

– amazing art and quality components

– lore, theme and overall story behind the game

– quick setup and clear rules

– characters that feel true to class

Areas they could have improved:

I had to nit pick a bit here but I tried and managed to scrape up a few potential improvements.

– adapted rules for certain character matchups

– ability to mulligan a poor starting hand once.

– an additional tile type perhaps to enhance attack or defense but forced you off of it after use.

– a way to heal and/or take less damage from multiple opponents between turns

– perhaps a single use final move that costs a very high amount of favor per use.

Final Thoughts:  

I’ll sum this game up in one sentence: If I only buy one game this year, this is it. 

I’ll see you next time, back here at The Game Table,

Zerility

If you’d like to connect with Strongbox Games or learn more about the game, here are a couple of links to get you in the right place:

Website: https://strongbox.games/

Kickstarter Page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blevy/mantle-of-the-keeper