7.9
rating
Ludopedia
4.7
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Perfect for those who love retro curiosities and don't mind 'ruining' cards to simulate damage. A bold concept for its time!
Highlights
- Immersive scratch-off mechanic
- Fast and dynamic matches
- Easy to learn and play
- Nostalgic 90s vibe
Keep in mind
- Cards are permanently destroyed
- Limited replayability due to wear
About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever imagined a card game where defeat leaves a physical and permanent mark? Champions is exactly that: a fantasy CCG focused on brutal fights where hand management is the key to victory. The game is split into series like 'Monster Wars' and 'Medieval Battle', each with its own characters (Monsters or Warriors) and their respective complements (Spells or Weapons). The dynamic is simple: you use complements to boost your champion's attack or defense, trying to outdo the opponent's values.
But here is the wild part: the cards have scratch-off areas. When a character loses a combat, you scratch off the surface of the card, revealing a new attack or defense value—which is almost always lower than the previous one. It's as if your warrior is getting wounded and exhausted during the battle. When you scratch off the final layer and hit zero, the card is considered destroyed and needs to be replaced.
With a deck of 15 cards and a hand of 5, the game is fast and visceral. The attacker chooses how many characters to send into the fray (from 1 to 3), and the defender tries to block each one with equal or higher values. It's a game of risk and reward, where you must manage your resources knowing that every mistake costs the physical integrity of your deck. It's the perfect blend of collecting and the tension of seeing your favorite champion literally 'wear down' until they vanish from the game. If you enjoy fast duels and aren't afraid of destroying your cards for the sake of immersion, this 90s classic is a fascinating curiosity.
But here is the wild part: the cards have scratch-off areas. When a character loses a combat, you scratch off the surface of the card, revealing a new attack or defense value—which is almost always lower than the previous one. It's as if your warrior is getting wounded and exhausted during the battle. When you scratch off the final layer and hit zero, the card is considered destroyed and needs to be replaced.
With a deck of 15 cards and a hand of 5, the game is fast and visceral. The attacker chooses how many characters to send into the fray (from 1 to 3), and the defender tries to block each one with equal or higher values. It's a game of risk and reward, where you must manage your resources knowing that every mistake costs the physical integrity of your deck. It's the perfect blend of collecting and the tension of seeing your favorite champion literally 'wear down' until they vanish from the game. If you enjoy fast duels and aren't afraid of destroying your cards for the sake of immersion, this 90s classic is a fascinating curiosity.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules manual
Official PDF file
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
F.X. Schmid, Gibsons
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game hard to learn?
Not at all! It's super simple: you attack, the other defends, and the higher value wins. You'll be playing in 5 minutes.
Are the cards actually destroyed?
Yes, that's the core point. You scratch the card to lower its attributes until it hits zero and is removed from the game.
How long does a match last?
It's very quick, around 20 minutes, ideal for those wanting a fast duel.
How many people can play?
The game was designed exclusively for 2 players. It's a pure duel.
Is it worth it for collectors?
Depends! If you like keeping everything mint, you'll hate this game. If you love experimenting with crazy mechanics, it's a must-have.
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