Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Panic at the Pleasure Palace

Cryptozoic Entertainment, Hobby World · Board game · 2018
8.3 Ludopedia 6.6 BGG 2–6 · best 4 30 min Weight 1.3/5
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8.3 rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Panic at the Pleasure Palace is the peak of card-based chaos, perfect for groups who don't take life too seriously. The disease mechanic adds a layer of crazy strategy that keeps the tension high and the laughs guaranteed. It is a direct elimination game, so prepare to be everyone's target while trying to destroy your friends with hilarious visual spells.

Highlights
  • Incredibly fun cartoon art style
  • Creative spell-casting mechanics
  • Fast-paced and frantic sessions
  • Constant player interaction
Keep in mind
  • Player elimination can frustrate some
  • Acid humor is not for everyone
  • Heavy reliance on luck
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you think a wizard's life is all about studying grimoires and drinking herbal tea, you haven't seen the insanity of Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Panic at the Pleasure Palace. This is the fourth installment in the series, and as the title suggests, things have gotten even weirder. We are talking about a fast-paced card game where the main goal is to watch the world burn while you cast ridiculous spells at your friends. The big addition here is the 'Magically Transmitted Diseases' (MTDs). Forget classic fire or ice spells; here, you will suffer from magical afflictions with names that would make any healer quit their job. These diseases, despite being a nightmare for your wizard, also provide powerful glyphs that allow you to conjure even more destructive spells. It is that classic 'risk and reward' mechanic taken to a level of acid, politically incorrect humor. The game also introduces an area control element with a standee that acts as a shield. Whoever holds it gains extra protection against the magical plagues that opponents constantly try to send your way. The art continues in that 'cartoon-gore' style that is a trademark of the series, ensuring the table remains visually chaotic and hilarious. It is pure 'take that' gameplay, where player elimination happens fast and no one stays safe for long. If you are looking for a game to end the night with plenty of laughs, some friendly backstabbing, and zero strategic complexity, this is your title. Get ready to see your wizard humiliated in creative ways, lose their dignity, and, with luck, blow up the others before being eliminated. It is loud, it is aggressive, and it is exactly what a group of friends needs to test their friendship while trying to survive a magical pleasure palace that, honestly, looks more like an enchanted horror hospital.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
6 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards Theme: Wizards
Publisher Cryptozoic Entertainment, Hobby World
Designer Cory Jones, Matt Hyra
Artist RS Bixby

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,932owners
218wishlist
27want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is the game very complex?
Not at all! It is a light-weight game focused on fun and chaos, easy to learn in just a few minutes.
How many people can play?
It works great for 2 to 6 players, but the more people you have, the more chaotic and fun the match becomes.
How long does a game last?
Matches are fast, lasting around 30 minutes, which is perfect for playing multiple rounds in a row.
Do I need to own the other games in the series?
No, it is a standalone game. You can play it on its own or mix cards with other games in the series if you like.
Is the game suitable for children?
Due to the acid humor, suggestive themes, and 'gore' cartoon art, it is aimed at an adult or older teen audience.
What are MTDs?
They are 'Magically Transmitted Diseases', a mechanic that gives you penalties but also allows you to cast more powerful spells.

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