Just Heroes

Manifest Destiny · Board game · 2021
3–5 · best 4 30–60 min
rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love card games with trick strategy and want something that blends hero action with resource control mechanics, Just Heroes is your next challenge.

Highlights
  • Engaging trick mechanic
  • Fast-paced and dynamic
  • Captivating hero themes
Keep in mind
  • Rules can be a bit confusing at first
  • Requires attention to attack limits
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Just Heroes casts you as a hero defending the city against threatening villains. The game is a classic trick-taking experience, where each player has a deck of hero cards, each representing an attribute or suit. The "must follow" mechanic requires you to follow the suit played if possible, and the highest card of a suit wins the round, allowing your hero to deliver the most powerful attack. But it’s not just about playing high cards. The total number of cards played each round determines whether the city’s defense fails or not. If you play too many cards, the villain weakens, but your fame may drop; if you play too few, the city suffers damage, and all heroes lose reputation. Additionally, each hero has an attack limit: the more trick wins, the more exhausted they become, potentially collapsing. The ultimate goal is to find the balance—attack the villain “just right” to win moderately, protect the city, and maintain fame. The game blends card strategy, resource management, and a touch of humor, with quick 30‑to‑60‑minute sessions. It’s ideal for 3‑5 players who enjoy tactical challenges and superhero stories in action settings.

In short, Just Heroes delivers a dynamic pace, engaging trick mechanics, and a hero theme that brings fun and strategy to the table. If you enjoy card games that demand attention to detail and the ability to balance aggression and caution, this title is a solid pick for your next game night.

Words: 310
BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 OK
4 BEST
5 OK
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Game details

Mechanics

Categories

Publisher Manifest Destiny
Designer Kuro, Seiji Kanai
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
Just Heroes is ideal for 3 to 5 players, but it works well with 2 or even 6 depending on group preference.
What is the typical game duration?
A game usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on players’ pace and strategic complexity.
What is the game’s complexity level?
The game has a medium complexity: simple follow‑suit rules, but requires attention to attack limits and total cards played.
What are the game components?
The game includes 108 hero cards, 12 villain cards, a city board, 5 fame tokens, 1 attack‑limit marker, and a rulebook.
Who is Just Heroes recommended for?
It’s recommended for groups who enjoy strategic card games, superhero themes, and trick mechanics with a dash of humor.
How does the hero attack limit work?
Each hero has an attack limit that decreases with each trick win; exceeding the limit makes the hero exhausted and can lose fame points.
What is the winning strategy?
The key is balancing the number of cards played so you don’t over‑stress the city or leave the defense weak, keeping fame and avoiding hero collapse.