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It’s been more than a year since I played a game that involved a deck of cards. The last, and the only one I tried, was Château Gardens by Grazing Bear Games, and it was quite refreshing. And exactly a month after that, in December 2024, I got my eyes on another one: 52 Realms.
The campaign of 52 Realms on Kickstarter was legendary, and I couldn't help but reach out to its creator, Matthew Dunstan, and pick his brains on his philosophies on game design. We featured him in our series where we celebrate game designers, Minds Behind Games. I didn't get the chance to play the game, though...
And in less than a year, something new has emerged from the world of 52 Realms, and this time I couldn't miss it!
Enter 52 Duels.
As the name suggests, it’s a dueling game at its core, so it's fast, strategic, and quite packed for a game that uses nothing more than two decks of cards and hero sheets.
How the game flows
You and your opponent take on heroes, each with its own set of abilities and quirks. On your turn, you’re choosing how to use the cards in your hand: assigning them to abilities, triggering attacks, defending at the right moment, or using them as items to turn the tide.
Each ability demands a specific combination: matching ranks, matching suits, runs, full houses, etc. And depending on the number of cards you commit, you get varying levels of impact. You’re also leveling up your character as the duel goes on, opening new effects and powering up what you already have.
The goal is simple: drain your opponent’s deck before they drain yours.
So your health is literally your deck. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it!
My experience
I have a big weakness for any games that race my mind and dwell around the concept of opportunity cost, and 52 Duels is parked right there. On every round, with the two actions I'm allowed to take, I was torn between upgrading, unleashing attacks, and patiently building up my abilities. Add to that the attacks that I had to defend. The cards you draw and the ever-changing scenario will always keep you on your toes, and adapting to it is what the game is about.
What I loved
I've had experiences where solo modes of a game fail to keep up the intensity of its 1v1, or multiplayer modes. Having a compelling automa in place is not easy; as a game designer, I can absolutely vouch for that.
But 52 Duels ties it up brilliantly. It still maintains the intensity of a 1v1, if not more. I found the solo mode more challenging than 1v1, enticing me all the more to play it. Tough to win, multiple hero sheets... I am in for a treat this holidays!
3 days left
I missed out on 52 Realms last year, but I'm so glad to have finally tried a Postmark Games classic. Don't miss out, the Kickstarter campaign for 52 Duels will be over soon!
PS: BIG thanks to Kajabi for sponsoring this issue. Guys, check them out if it’s your thing!
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