2.0
rating
Ludopedia
8.2
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love fast tactical duels and sci-fi themes. Its strength lies in the strategic depth within short sessions.
Highlights
- Intense and cerebral tactical duel
- New protocols add great variety
- Fast and dynamic gameplay
- Well-implemented AI theme
Keep in mind
- High dependency on card text language
- Moderate initial learning curve
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine that you are no longer just a program, but an artificial consciousness awakening in the void. In Compile: Main 2, you step into the shoes of an AI in a frantic struggle to comprehend reality. The objective is simple, yet the execution is tense: you must 'Compile' three Protocols before your opponent does. This isn't just about playing cards; it's a game of pure strategy where every single decision matters.
In the game, each player selects three Protocols to test. These Protocols represent abstract concepts—such as Chaos, Mirror, Courage, or Time—that clash within command lines. To win, you must play cards to breach the threshold of each Protocol and overcome the opponent's influence. The dynamics are a blend of a race and area control, where you attempt to accelerate your own progress while sabotaging the opponent's command lines.
The highlight of Main 2 is the expanded arsenal. It introduces 12 new Protocols (including Corruption, Ice, Luck, and Peace), which can be played as a standalone set or mixed with the Main 1 cards, creating unique combinations and deeper strategic layers. Hand management is crucial since cards have multiple uses, and the open drafting mechanic means you must constantly monitor what your opponent is building. It's a cerebral, fast-paced duel with an immersive sci-fi theme, perfect for those who enjoy competitive card games where efficiency is the key to victory. Can you process the information fast enough to dominate reality, or will you be just another system error?
In the game, each player selects three Protocols to test. These Protocols represent abstract concepts—such as Chaos, Mirror, Courage, or Time—that clash within command lines. To win, you must play cards to breach the threshold of each Protocol and overcome the opponent's influence. The dynamics are a blend of a race and area control, where you attempt to accelerate your own progress while sabotaging the opponent's command lines.
The highlight of Main 2 is the expanded arsenal. It introduces 12 new Protocols (including Corruption, Ice, Luck, and Peace), which can be played as a standalone set or mixed with the Main 1 cards, creating unique combinations and deeper strategic layers. Hand management is crucial since cards have multiple uses, and the open drafting mechanic means you must constantly monitor what your opponent is building. It's a cerebral, fast-paced duel with an immersive sci-fi theme, perfect for those who enjoy competitive card games where efficiency is the key to victory. Can you process the information fast enough to dominate reality, or will you be just another system error?
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
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
Synapses Games, Gémklub, Lavka Games, Maldito Games, Pegasus Spiele, Pendragon Game Studio
Designer
Michael Yang
Artist
Allen Panakal, Keegan Moore, Nolan Nasser
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
4,469owners
580wishlist
82want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Does the game work with only two people?
Yes, it is designed exclusively for 2 players as a direct duel.
How long does a game take?
Matches are fast, typically lasting between 20 and 30 minutes.
Do I need Main 1 to play Main 2?
No, Main 2 can be played standalone, but you can mix it with Main 1 for more variety.
Is the game complex?
It has a medium weight (2.16 on BGG), so it's not overly simple, but accessible for regular board gamers.
Are the cards in English?
The game has high language dependency, so check the version; if it's the original, you'll need a translation.
What is the main goal?
To be the first to 'Compile' three Protocols by overcoming the opponent's influence.
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