Compactness a plus
The first thing we notice will be the small size of the game box. Duel , compared to its original, is a very handy game, reminiscent of travel board games, although it cannot be included in this segment in any way. We will find here a lot of elements, often very small. So don’t try the game in the back seat of the car. However, if you do get there, grab Duel right away , because there’s plenty to play here. This Splendor is simpler, more intuitive, and simply better than its board game parent.
A graphical masterpiece
What will we see after unpacking the box? Let’s start with beautiful graphics, which were made in a style that we already know well. At first, for the male audience, the subject of jewelery may seem uninteresting. However, a first look at the illustrations should dispel these doubts. The cards represent beautiful jewelry and precious materials that will be crucial in the game itself. The box has been equipped with a convenient insert that allows you to keep order in it. And there is something to organize! We have a lot of different cards, a handful of coins, a fold-out board, bags, scrolls of privilege tokens and other markers. Everything made at the highest level. Of course, there is no shortage of concise instructions.
How to win here?
What is the gameplay like? Our goal is to get the victory tile. This can be done in one of three ways. You must: accumulate 20 points, 10 points on cards of one suit or 10 crowns on cards. Players have to earn prestige points, which are received for completing the appropriate assignment. Individual materials and gemstones are also required to complete the order, which players must purchase. Skillful management and planning are the keys to success in this duel. Some cards also allow you to take advantage of special bonuses. Here, however, at least at the beginning, it may be necessary to glance at the instructions. Fortunately, the creators have described numerous “real life” examples in it, so you will find yourself rather quickly.
Sparks will fly!
Splendor: A duel is a real clash with an opponent. Planning and trying to predict your opponent’s moves will resemble a game of chess in places. The various possibilities of success in the game and the randomness of building the initial layout of cards mean that no game will be the same. And as we know, the replayability of board games is an extremely important element. The flow of the game can be extremely fierce, so be careful not to quarrel with a friend who just happened to be your Splendor opponent.
A full-fledged title
Some might be concerned that Duel will be some kind of incomplete version of the base Splendor . Nothing could be more wrong. It is an extensive, independent game that resembles its prototype only in terms of graphics and certain mechanics. But he defends as a whole, and that’s the most important thing. Despite the simplicity of the rules, the board game offers a lot of possibilities to combine and bend the game to your needs, which makes the clashes even more fierce. So, who will become the best jeweler in the kingdom?
