Smash Up
- Designer Paul Peterson
- Publisher Alderac Entertainment Group , Arclight Games , Bard Centrum Gier , Edge Entertainment , Galápagos Jogos
- Illustration Dave Allsop , Bruno Balixa , Carmen Cianelli , Conceptopolis , Crut , Pierre Raveneau
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Smash Up, you combine two factions like Pirates, Zombies, or Aliens into one shuffled deck. You play minions on base cards, aiming to control them by having the highest total power when the base breaks. Each faction offers distinct abilities, such as Zombies resurrecting cards from the discard pile or Pirates moving minions around. The interplay of factions creates a dynamic and varied gaming experience with tactical decisions and surprises.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for players aged 12 and up, Smash Up suits those who enjoy moderately complex tactical card games. With a playtime of about 45 minutes, it fits well into a game night. It is accessible to families and casual gamers while also appealing to experienced players due to its variety of faction combinations.
How It Works
At the start, you choose two factions and shuffle their decks into one 40-card deck. During play, you deploy minions to bases to gain majority power. When a base breaks, the player with the highest power scores points. The game uses deck construction, hand management, and area majority mechanics to resolve conflicts and encourage tactical choices. Different faction abilities ensure each game plays differently.
What Makes It Special
Paul Peterson created a unique 'shufflebuilding' card game that won the 2013 UK Games Expo Best General Card Game award. The diverse factions, like laser-beaming Dinosaurs or mystical Zombies, offer many combinations. Smash Up belongs to its own series and innovatively blends mechanics such as kill steal and open drafting.
Awards
2013
2013
- 2013 Origins Awards Best Traditional Card Game — Nominated
Pro
- High variability with many faction combinations
- Short playtime around 45 minutes
- Intuitive mechanics like deck construction and area majority
- Designed for 2 to 4 players
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Complexity may be challenging for younger players under 12
- Requires learning faction abilities
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game features diverse fantasy and sci-fi themes including Pirates, Zombies, Aliens, and Ninjas. Unique factions with special powers compete humorously for control over base cards.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Start with two factions that have compatible abilities to get familiar with core mechanics and gameplay flow.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Smash Up is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 45 minutes, allowing quick and engaging sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is family-friendly with moderate complexity, requiring no extensive prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Smash Up uniquely combines deck construction with area majority and faction abilities, setting it apart from pure deckbuilders or majority control games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, suitable for players 12 and older, making it a good family game with some gaming experience.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of deck construction, hand management, and area majority mechanics adds tactical depth and replayability.
Fazit
Smash Up is recommended for players seeking tactical card games with high variety and different faction combos. Its playtime and moderate complexity make it approachable yet engaging for seasoned players.
