Usurper: A Game of Dark Factions (2021)

About this game

Usurper is a fast-paced, highly strategic card drafting and grid placement game for 2 players. In this dark fantasy game, you’ll recruit followers from the realm’s four distinct factions, then unite them in a bid to dominate your adversary and seize the throne. Each game of Usurper plays in about 15-20 minutes, with matches moving quickly across three simple phases. Drafting Phase - Players alternate drafting followers from the recruitment row to build a 9-card hand, taking into account their secret bonus scoring card. Card Placement Phase - Players alternate placing their followers on their own 3x3 grid, firing instant card abilities and taking care to maximize their placement to get the most value. Scoring Phase - Everyone tallies their 3x3 grid, adding each card's base score, any special card abilities, and their secret bonus scoring card. —description from the publisher

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.0/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 13 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.