8 Bit battles bring all the nostalgia with Pixel Tactics!
Mark Gillham
MeepleGamers
8.5/10
Publisher: Level 99 Games
Designer: Brad Talton
Game Type: Card
Game Type: Duel
Initial Year of Release: 2020
Age Range: 12+
Expected Playtime: 30 Min
Number of Players: 2
Theme and What is it?
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
8/10
Pixel Tactics is a competitive dueling game between two units. Each player will take control of a unit, electing a leader, and leading their unit into a head to head battle. Develop a strategy by using the abilities of the heroes and leaders in your deck to crush your opponent. The player who’s leader is still standing after the smoke clears emerges victorious!
Gameplay Mechanics
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
7/10
Battle takes place on a 3×3 grid for each player. A game starts with each player drawing five cards, selecting their leader, and placing them in the center of the grid. Starting with the first row and going row by row each player will alternate taking turns selecting 2 actions from recruiting heroes, drawing cards, removing corpses, playing orders, and more. After three turns (one for each row,) the round ends and a new round will begin with the other player moving to first in the turn order. Once a player’s leader reaches zero, the game ends with the leader still standing claiming the victory!
Initial Impressions
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
8/10
The base mechanics are pretty simple to pick up for this game. When it’s your turn you choose two actions and do them. The strategy can be as light or as heavy as you want. It does fit thematically with video game tactics as you move through the game giving you a lot of options how to build your unit. A lot of text on the cards to read through which will slowed down my first few plays. I looked forward to getting this back to the table.
Game Build Quality
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
8/10
In general, the components to this game are outstanding! The cardboard punches easily and all cards and tokens fit inside the box with ease. Level 99 included a foldout play mat with the game to help with understanding of the game and was a major a helpful in learning the game. It did come with only 1 sheet of cardboard tokens that were double sided which it could have used 1 more sheet.
Artistic Direction
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
10/10
The box art is a spectacular call back to my days playing the NES! Pixel Tactics’ box looks just like a cartridge from the NES. Pixelated characters on the cards brings imagery to the characters being used in each play through. Iconography is very easy to differentiate and color coordinated for players to distinguish the difference between each of the powers on the card. Very high praise for the art used on the box and cards!
Fun Factor
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
9/10
The nostalgia factor of controlling video game units in a head to head battle was very enjoyable! I found it enjoyable to try different strategies as you played through the game. Figuring out which cards synergized together and what kind of combos you can create come with the joy of any kind of tactic based card game. It also has several sets that came before that can expand the tactics exponentially into deck building. Solid bit of fun.
Age Range & Weight
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
8/10
The core gameplay is selecting actions and playing the right cards during your turn. Decisions built within each turn are right in tune with what a 12+ player could grasp. Even able to play and work around combos and themes. Weight for the game is in the light to medium range. The different tactics and advanced strategies that are capable within Pixel Tactics put it in that just above light category.
Conclusions
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
8/10
Pixel Tactics Legends is a solid addition to an already wonderful game! This standalone expansion brings some powerful leaders to the mix that have some diabolical powers. I love a good card game that incorporates tactical gameplay and this does fit that bill. It brings with it head to head combat so it will be attacking directly the other player. If you enjoy this style of game, than Pixel Tactics: Legends is a great place to start!
- All
Sinister Six – Spin Master – Review
Facebook Twitter Instagram The game play is fast and the rewards are……
Draghan: Sneaky Ol’ Dragons – Jumping Turtle Games – Review
Facebook Twitter Instagram Draghan – Sneaky Ol’ Dragons is all fun and……
Unmatched: Battle of Legends: Jurassic Park – Restoration Games – Review
Facebook Twitter Instagram Do you like Dinosaurs? Do you like Jurassic Park?……
Altiplano – Renegade Game Studios – Review
Facebook Twitter Instagram You will always need food but don’t be a……
