comment

Unmatched

Digital Edition

Overview

Unmatched is a fast-paced, asymmetrical miniature dueling game that allows you to choose from an ever-growing roster of legendary heroes and villains from ancient mythology, classic literature, and blockbuster movies. This is a crossover like no other with many volumes, sets, and expansions that offer a wide variety of characters and playstyles. Unmatched Digital Edition brings the hit table-top game to Steam, the Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS devices.

Presentation

One way Unmatched stands apart from other table-top games is the dedication to art. With the expansion into the realm of video games you will find that they stand out less among their peers. This isn’t a deal breaker, as Unmatched Digital Edition isn’t setting out to be a video game to compete with other indie or AAA releases. Instead, it focuses on delivering the core Unmatched experience in a digital package. When you look at Unmatched Digital Edition under that lens, I believe they have succeeded.

The user interface is solid, and the miniatures, maps, and cards are exactly the same in this edition as the table-top game. They’ve even gone the extra mile of including unique sounds and animations for the heroes. For example, when Alice changes sizes, so does her miniature. There is also background music that adds a nice bit of atmosphere to each match. Additionally, you have the option of purchasing different color pallets for each hero. It is disappointing that these cannot be earned in-game, but they are available, nonetheless.

Objective

In Unmatched Digital Edition, the goal is to pick your favorite hero and use their unique playstyle and abilities to defeat all who oppose you. You must take two of the following actions each turn: maneuver, scheme, and attack. You may choose two different actions or the same action twice. Each card has a special effect or value, leading to exciting and unique engagements every time you play. The two maps also provide unique environments that you can use to your advantage.

Gameplay

Unmatched Digital Edition can be played solo against an A.I. with 3 difficulty levels, or online against other players. The multiplayer aspect leaves much to be desired. Currently you can only play online by using lobbies. The lack of matchmaking is disappointing, but perhaps that is too large an ask for a game with such a low install base.

The AI has been tuned over the course of the beta and can now be a challenge when played on the hardest difficulty. Otherwise, it plays exactly like the table-top game. This is a good way to play solo if you are unable to get a group of friends together, or to test out strategies.

The basic mechanics might seem complicated at first glance, but they are easy to learn once you start playing. Some heroes do have more complicated mechanics than others, so there can be a learning curve. Fortunately, every card has specific instructions written on them, but you can always turn to the included rule book and our FAQ for more clarification.

Maps

Unmatched Digital Edition includes the following maps in the base game:

Heorot (Little Red Riding Hood vs. Beowulf)
Marmoreal (Battle of Legends Vol. 1)
Sarpedon (Battle of Legends Vol. 1)

Season Pass 1 includes the following maps:

Baskerville Manor (Cobble & Fog)
Sherwood Forest (Robin Hood vs. Bigfoot)
Soho (Cobble & Fog)
Yukon (Robin Hood vs. Bigfoot)

Heroes: Base Game

Alice

This is not the Alice who slew the Jabberwocky, but the one who tamed it. Alice is no longer in Wonderland but instead on the battlefield with the ability to change sizes for attack or defense.

Beowulf

Every blow fills the War-King with rage. Soon you will learn why he was the equal of Grendel. With his kinsman Wiglaf by his side, they are sure to win this fatal struggle.

King Arthur

The Excalibur wielding King Arthur joins the battle, with the wizard Merlin at his back. King Arthur is a combat expert with his high health and heavy blows, but Merlin’s sorcery is often the key to victory.

Little Red Riding Hood

Once upon a time Little Red Riding Hood went into the belly of the beast, and lived to tell her grim tale. With the help of her friend the Huntsman, she’s ready to head back into the woods with a few terrible tricks tucked away in her basket.

Read more about Little Red Riding Hood here.

Medusa

Medusa can slay the most powerful foes with her piercing glare and arrows. The danger is not with her alone; Medusa’s three harpies are also constantly on the prowl.

Sinbad

Sinbad’s voyages have taken him to new lands, encountering many foes. Sinbad’s many experiences at sea make him a force to be reckoned with, as the Porter tags along.

Heroes: Season Pass 1

Bigfoot

Mighty as a sequoia and untamable as the wind, Bigfoot comes crashing in with the darting Jackalope in tow. Quickly as you feel their power, they’re gone, like a figment of the mind.

Dracula

Dare not to meet his gaze lest you do his bidding. Whilst our mind is in a fog, he and his ravening sisters will give you your baptism of blood.

Invisible Man

How can you defend what you cannot see? A glint of metal amidst the gloom, but it’s too late. A surprise attack before he slips away again into the rolling fog.

Jekyll & Hyde

Two sides of the same man – the scheming Dr. Jekyll and the force of nature Mr. Hyde. Who will be the author of your end?

Robin Hood

The quick-witted rogue is a tricky adversary, heard to pin down and deadly with a bow. And just when he’s got your attention, the Outlaws come in to rob you blind.

Sherlock Holmes

The game is afoot! With the trusty Dr. Watson at his side, he’ll deduce your strategy and leave you wondering how he foiled your perfect plan. In a word: Elementary.

Final Thoughts

At launch, Unmatched Digital Edition on Steam and the Nintendo Switch includes all content from Battle of Legends, Vol. 1 and Little Red Riding Hood vs Beowulf at the cost of $19.99. If you buy both of these sets physically, it will cost around $60. The mobile version will only cost you $7.99 but it only comes with content from Battle of Legends Vol. 1. While I believe each physical edition of Unmatched is a better value for the dollar, the Digital Edition provides a more cost-effective way to introduce new players to the game and provides more accessibility, granting players more options to play with their friends.

Unfortunately, there are negatives. Season 1 dlc is currently priced at $24.99, which is rather high for the content that will be offered. The Nintendo Switch edition of the game is also unintuitive to the point where I would not recommend it at the moment. Additionally, it is confirmed that Unmatched Digital Edition will not include heroes they had to secure IP rights for. Meaning the Jurassic Park, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Marvel heroes will not be added to the game. Worst of all is the exclusion of Bruce Lee since he is now out of print and very difficult for new players to come by. This is huge since this will all but assure the competitive scene never uses the official Unmatched Digital Edition for online tournaments.

Unmatched Digital Edition is a faithful adaptation of the table-top game, but there are quite a few downsides. The port is very simple and doesn’t offer much innovation from one medium to another, but it allows players to enjoy Unmatched with their friends without having to get together while also providing players options to play solo. At the price of $19.99 it is hard not to recommend this edition to existing fans who want a way to play solo or online with their friends, but there is nothing to attract players who have never played Unmatched.

We invite you to share your thoughts and questions by leaving a comment below. We love hearing from our readers and would be happy to help in any way we can!

If you’re curious about the physical editions of Unmatched and want to learn more, check out the following resources: