# Puzzle Strike

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2010
- **BGG Rating**: 6.6
- **BGG Rank**: #3182
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 20 min
- **Weight**: 2.29 / 5
- **Designers**: David Sirlin
- **Artists**: Long Vo
- **Publishers**: Pegasus Spiele, Sirlin Games
- **Categories**: Card Game, Fantasy, Video Game Theme
- **Mechanics**: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Hand Management, Open Drafting, Player Elimination, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you love card games that blend strategy and action, Puzzle Strike will surprise you.Dynamic deck building10 unique charactersEngaging player eliminationPowerful comeback combosRequires bag for shufflingMedium complexityPaperboard componentsHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Puzzle Strike is a card game that uses cardboard chips instead of traditional cards, simulating the video game Puzzle Fighter, which in turn emulates Street Fighter. The goal is to combine chips on the table to perform combos, eliminating opponents, and when you hit the limit, trigger the comeback mechanic that gives you a chance to turn the game in your favor. Each game starts with a different chip pool, creating over 411 million starting conditions in a four‑player game. You build your deck while playing by selecting chips from the cloth bags that come in the box; this keeps the pace fast and avoids the tedium of shuffling cards. The characters range from 10 to 10, each with unique abilities that alter each player's strategy. The game blends hand management, real‑time deck building, player elimination, and variable powers, creating a tactical and unpredictable experience. With about 350 chips, four cloth bags, and an 8‑page colorful rulebook, Puzzle Strike delivers fun for both casual players and those seeking high‑level competition, thanks to David Sirlin’s careful balance. If you enjoy quick challenges, action combos, and customizable card decks, this game will surprise you.

Moreover, the “bag shuffle” mechanic gives a nostalgic and practical touch, allowing you to play anywhere, from your living room table to the beach. The extensive language dependency means it’s important to have a full translation to enjoy everything the game offers. Puzzle Strike is the perfect choice for fans of anime, manga, fantasy, and who want a card game that mixes strategy and action in a compact and fun package.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
2 to 4 players.

### How long does a game last?
A typical game lasts between 20 and 20 minutes.

### What is the complexity level?
The complexity is medium; easy to learn but deep for advanced players.

### What components come in the box?
The box contains about 350 cardboard chips, 4 cloth bags, and an 8‑page colorful rulebook.

### Who is it suitable for?
Ideal for fans of card games, anime/manga, fantasy, and strategy.

### Do I need a translation?
Yes, the game has extensive language dependency; a full translation is needed to play.

### Are there expansions?
The third edition is available, but there are no official expansions.