Unmatched
Buffy
Overview
Buffy is the main character of the cult classic 1997 series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. What originally started as a comedy horror film in 1992, the television series reached enough popularity to spawn the spin-off series Angel and a series of books and comics that are still being published to this day.
Chosen by fate, Buffy Summers is the latest in a long line of women who must use their mystical calling to battle the forces of evil. Refusing to conform to the natural order, she never sacrificed her normal life and often operated as part of a team. In Unmatched, Buffy can call upon one of her two closest allies to help her battle the unique forces of Unmatched.
Buffy is included in Unmatched: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Hero Stats
Health:Â 14 /Â Attack:Â Melee /Â Movement:Â 3
Special Ability
Buffy may move through spaces containing opposing fighters (including when she is moved by effects).
Sidekick:Â Giles or Xander
Health:Â 6 /Â Attack: Melee / x1
Strategies and Tips
Buffy’s special ability and card effects give her one of the most flexible movements in the game. There is no map where Buffy cannot thrive, and she is especially effective against heroes who rely on pinning down their opponents and trapping them (e.g. The Raptors, Spike). Additionally, she has very straight forward mechanics and card effects, making her a hero who relies on strong fundamentals. The key to her victory is properly utilizing her movement and whichever sidekick was chosen to battle alongside her.
Primary Strengths
Can maneuver through enemy fighters
Special ability and card effects keep her in control of the battlefield
Both strong attack cards and high value defensive options
Primary Weaknesses
Low health values
Has to choose between better card draw with Giles or extra attack with Xander
Heroes who can frequently cancel After-Combat effects (e.g. Bigfoot, Black Widow)
Tip #1: Slayer Technique - Cartwheel Pointy Attack!
Buffy’s ability allows her to enter and exit combat without limitation. You want to avoid ending your turn next to your opponent whenever possible and force them to maneuver to engage with you. She also has unique card effects that give her even more movement. This leads us to her best combo attack:
This combo requires you to start on the defensive. End your turn no more than 3 spaces away from your opponent. Keep your opponent’s movement in mind, and also account for ranged attacks. You want them to attack you on their second action so you can play the defensive card Cartwheel Kick. This card only has a value of 2, but it lets you move Buffy up to 3 spaces after combat and then deal 1 damage to each opposing fighter adjacent to her. If positioned properly, you could also take out multiple sidekicks.Â
The second step of this combo is to use your first action to attack. The ideal card to use here is Mr. Pointy. This attack has a value of 5 and no effects, so if your opponent feels inclined to use their Feint card, it will go to waste.
For your second action, use the versatile card Slayer’s Strength. This card has a value of 4 and allows you to move all fighters adjacent to Buffy to another space in their zone after combat, and then deal 1 damage to each fighter you moved. It is important to make sure this card is not canceled with a Feint so you are not attacked twice on your opponent’s next turn. You can also use this card on your first action if you only have one good attack card to use and want to create even more distance by maneuvering on your second action.
Tip #2: The Mentor - Rupert Giles
Giles is one of the two sidekicks you can choose for Buffy. He comes with two unique cards, both of which are schemes and the only schemes in her deck:
Insight lets you choose an opponent and look at their hand, then choose 1 card in their hand for them to discard. It is always to your advantage to see your opponent’s hand, forcing them to discard a card of your choosing just makes this card crazy good.
Training lets you draw 3 cards. This may seem insignificant at first glance, but Buffy does not have a very high card draw so this will help you acquire the cards you need much quicker.
The advantage of Giles is knowledge. The value he brings can easily set Buffy up for success, so his survival is vital until you can use all of his scheme cards.
Tip #3: The Best Friend - Alexander 'Xander' Harris
Xander is the second sidekick option Buffy can choose from. Like Giles, Xander also comes with two unique cards:
Military Knowledge is an attack with a value of 4 that lets you draw 1 card after combat. This attack value is strong, and the card draw is helpful despite not being as good as what Giles provides.
Right-Hand Man is a versatile card with a value of 2 whose value becomes a 6 during combat if Xander is adjacent to Buffy. This is the highest attack value in Buffy’s deck and should only be used defensively if there is no other option. This card stresses the importance for Buffy and Xander to stay close together, and since their health values are so low you should strive to use this card offensively as soon as you can.
Final Thoughts
Buffy is not an overly complex character, but her freedom of movement allows her much needed flexibility when battling against any of the heroes in Unmatched. The toughest decision to make is before the game starts with her sidekick, and the best sidekick depends on each individual matchup. Buffy’s ability to do it all without overly complicated mechanics make her an excellent hero for introducing the game to new players and is a faithful adaptation that fans of her series are sure to enjoy.
