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: Redemption Row introduces three unique and iconic heroes from Marvel comics.
Redemption Row includes:
- 3 miniature figures
- 1 sidekick token
- 3 combat tokens
- 3 scheme tokens
- 5 hellfire tokens
- 4 health dials
- 95 cardsÂ
- 1 double-sided gameboard
- 1 rulebook
Presentation
One way Unmatched stands apart from other games is the dedication to art. In Redemption Row, 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: Redemption Row, 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
Redemption Row 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, every fighter features unique mechanics. Luke Cage is defense oriented, with his special ability allowing him 2 extra points of defense even if a card isn’t played, Ghost Rider utilizes hellfire tokens to increase his movement, attack, and defense, and Moon Knight shifts through three different personalities throughout the game with different effects depending on who is in control. While some fighters may seem to have advantages over others, each hero has weaknesses that can be exploited and tools that allow them to compete with each other.
Map: The Raft
The Raft has a unique layout that plays well with the heroes in the set. Along the top and bottom are paths that are relatively narrow while the ends on the left and right become a bit more spacious. The most interesting aspect of this map is the center, where there is a circular battlefield. There are 5 ways to either enter or exit this zone, so while heroes may not become trapped it does lend to an interesting field of play. The zones all accurately represent the setting on display with the map art. Ranged fighters will have a harder time attacking enemies from a distance on this map.
As the first Marvel set, this board introduces the board token mechanic. There are 3 combat tokens and 3 scheme tokens. These tokens sit adjacent to specific spaces and can be used by any fighter in that space. All combat tokens are versatile so they can be used to boost a fighter’s attack or defense. The schemes allow you to deal 1 damage to each fighter in your zone, discard your hand and draw 3 cards, and look at an opponent’s hand and draw 1 card. Each of these tokens can give strategic advantages to any player and encourage every fighter to move across the board to secure these advantages.
Heroes
Ghost Rider
Fire up your Hell Cycle and ready your Penance Stare, for the Spirit of Vengeance rides tonight. Johnny Blaze commands the power of Hellfire, letting him enhance his attacks to diabolical heights.
Read more about Ghost Rider here.
Luke Cage
Get ready to see some real power, man. This hero for hire, with the Daughter of the Dragon by his side, is out to talk some trash and get paid.
Read more about Luke Cage here.
Moon Knight
Perhaps you could hope to challenge a masked vigilante or a ruthless investigator or even an Egyptian god. Here’s the thing though, “We’re all in this together.”
Read more about Moon Knight here
Final Thoughts
Redemption Row is an excellent first entry of the exciting list of Marvel editions. It brings to life three unique Marvel heroes and sets them loose into the Unmatched battlefield. Luke Cage’s iron defense, Ghost Rider’s hellish attacks, and Moon Knight’s mysterious versatility add even more diverse playstyles to the ever-growing roster of Unmatched.Â
Unmatched: Redemption Row is an excellent game on its own, and Marvel fans will have a blast with the art and multitude of references. When paired with other editions, 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:
