# Lost Worlds

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1983
- **BGG Rating**: 6.6
- **BGG Rank**: #7124
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 10 min
- **Weight**: 1.69 / 5
- **Designers**: Alfred Leonardi, C. Lacefield, Mary Leonardi, Michael Stackpole, Paul S. Weintraub
- **Artists**: Alfred Leonardi, Andrea Sfiligoi, Arne Starr, C. Bradford Gorby, Chris White (I), Dan Frazier, Doug Fortin, Doug Shuler, Ed Arrowsmith, Elisabetta Giulivi, Erin McKee, George Vrbanic, Gilead, H. Spencer Kipe, James L. Walker, Jason Sato, Jim Clouse, Kathy Capach, Kelly Bennett, Ken St. Andre, Lee Moyer, Mike Kimble, Mike Vitale, Nancy Loomis, Perry Lake, Rachael Mayo, Sean Fletcher, Steven S. Crompton, Tim Calhoun
- **Publishers**: Nova Game Designs, 1% Inspiration Games, Inc., Chessex, Flying Buffalo, Inc. (FBI), Greysea Games, Nutmeg Games Inc.
- **Categories**: Book, Fantasy, Fighting, Medieval
- **Mechanics**: Rock-Paper-Scissors, Simultaneous Action Selection, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
Lost Worlds is an absolute classic of portable dueling that proves you don't need a massive board for high-level tactical combat. The experience is fast, tense, and heavily relies on your ability to read your opponent while managing your character's strengths. It is perfect for those who enjoy fighting games and want something pocket-sized to play anywhere. A relic that still offers genuine fun today.Highly portable and compactGreat character varietyTense tactical combatClever simultaneous action selectionRequires two playersDated visual aestheticCan be punishing for beginnersHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Lost Worlds is a classic and incredibly creative system that turns books into true battlefields. Forget massive boards or dozens of miniatures; here, each player controls a character through an illustrated booklet, where art and mechanics merge seamlessly. The goal is simple: defeat your opponent in a bloody duel until one of you falls. The system shines because of its portability and the brilliant way it uses simultaneous action selection. Basically, you and your opponent choose your moves secretly, and by comparing the corresponding pages in your books, the combat result is revealed. It could be a solid hit that deals damage, a perfectly executed dodge, or a stumble that leaves the fighter vulnerable. Variety is one of the series' greatest strengths. With dozens of characters available—ranging from barbarian warriors and elven archers to animated skeletons, unicorns, and even dragons—the replayability is extremely high. Each character has their own stats and fighting style, requiring you to learn how to handle their unique strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, there is an optional progression layer where you can keep track of your character across multiple fights, gaining experience and improving skills. It is a nostalgic, fast-paced, and highly tactical experience, perfect for those who want an intense duel without needing to set up a complex table. It is essentially rock-paper-scissors turned up to eleven, where knowledge of your character and reading your opponent's mind make all the difference. If you are looking for something portable, thematic, and with a retro touch that is still very fun today, Lost Worlds is a fundamental piece in the history of dueling games. Grab your booklet, choose your combatant, and prepare for battle, as victory depends solely on your cunning and a bit of luck at the right moment.

## FAQ
### Do I need a table to play Lost Worlds?
Not at all! That's the beauty of the system. Since each player only uses their own booklet, you can play anywhere, even on a train or in line at a convention.

### Is the game very complex?
The weight is quite low (1.69). The rules are intuitive: you pick an action, your opponent picks one, and you check the result in the book's table. It's easy to learn but hard to master.

### How many people can play?
It is strictly a two-player game. It's a head-to-head duel.

### How long does a game take?
They are quick duels, usually resolved in about 10 minutes.

### Are the characters balanced?
Each character has unique abilities and different styles. Balance heavily depends on your strategy and how you utilize your fighter's specific capabilities.

### Do I need to buy all the books?
No, each booklet is a complete character. You only need two booklets (one for each player) to start fighting.