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: For King and Country introduces three iconic and tactile heroes from the Marvel mythos.
For King and Country includes:
- 3 miniature figures
- 2 sidekick tokens
- 3 combat tokens
- 3 scheme tokens
- 5 health dials
- 96 cards
- 1 double-sided game board
- 1 rulebook
Presentation
One way Unmatched stands apart from other games is the dedication to art. In For King and Country, the gameboard is colorfully printed with easily identifiable zones for combat, and even features a reverse side where the spaces leave more room to show off the art of the board. Each hero’s deck features unique, stunning, and thematic artwork for each hero. Staying true to the concept of a crossover, each individual hero and their deck feel as if they were pulled directly from their source material and placed in an arena to battle one another. Each deck is incredibly thematic, featuring special abilities and card titles that include an abundance of references that fans of each hero are sure to appreciate.
Objective
In Unmatched: For King and Country, 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 new map provides a unique environment that you can use to your advantage. You can also mix and match characters and maps from other Unmatched game sets.
For the full rulebook click here.
Gameplay
For King and Country can be played 1v1, 2v2, or a 3 player free-for-all. The latter is our favorite since it is ripe for unofficial alliances and betrayals. A single match can take 20-40 minutes and is full of constant action. 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.
In this set, some hero’s mechanics are simpler than others. Black Widow introduces Missions which act as a side quest during each match that, when completed, give her strategic advantages. Black Panther uses his vibranium suit to boost his attack and defenses with his and his opponent’s cards. While some fighters may have distinct advantages over others, we still find the heroes featured in this set to be well balanced. Each hero has weaknesses that can be exploited and tools that allow them to compete with each other.
Map: Helicarrier
The Helicarrier is an interesting map that plays well with the heroes in the set. Four out of the five fighters in this set are ranged, and the zones are set up in such a way to allow tactical ranged combat from just about anywhere on the board, especially the center. There is one unique section of the board at the top that is a narrow passage of spaces that give the advantage to melee fighters. The light blue and black zones also give melee fighters some room to move without being under constant threat.Â
Like with all of the other Marvel sets, this board comes with 3 combat tokens and 3 scheme tokens. These tokens sit adjacent to specific spaces and can be used by any fighter in that space. As usual, all combat tokens are versatile so they can be used to boost a fighter’s attack or defense. The schemes allow you to place your fighter in any space, deal 2 damage to a fighter in your zone, or force all players to discard 2 cards. Each of these tokens can give strategic advantages to any player.
Heroes
Black Panther
With his vibranium suit, the stalking panther absorbs your strikes and unleashes them back with his cat-like reflexes. “Wakanda Forever!”
Read more about Black Panther here.
Black Widow
From the Moscow Protocol to the Budapest Gambit, Black Widow is mission ready. She’ll have you caught in her web before you even know she’s there.
Read more about black Widow here.
Winter Soldier
A bionic arm and marksman’s eye made the boy named Bucky into a lethal fighter. When he was programmed to kill without remorse, then he became the Winter Solider.
Read more about Winter Soldier here.
Final Thoughts
Unmatched: For King and Country perfectly translates three new tactile based Marvel heroes to Unmatched. Black Widow secretly and strategically completes missions to give her the tactical advantage, Black Panther absorbs cards into his vibranium suit to boost his attacks and defenses, and Winter Soldier is a powerful and ruthless fighter whose brainwashing can be just as dangerous to him as his opponents. All three of these heroes bring new strategies and tactical combat to the ever-growing roster and playstyles of Unmatched.
For King and Country is an excellent game on its own. Marvel fans will have a blast with the art and multitude of references. When paired with other editions, however, players have access to a massive and ever-growing variety of matchups and battlefields. This is an excellent addition to the Unmatched series and a must have for Marvel fans and Unmatched enthusiasts. If you are looking to expand your collection further, check out the following sets and expansions:
