Unmatched: Houdini vs. The Genie

Restoration Games, CMON Global Limited, GaGa Games · Board game · 2022
2 · best 2 20 min Weight 2.3/5
9.0 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
9.0 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Epic card‑and‑miniature duel for fans of tactics and legendary characters.

Highlights
  • No‑luck combat
  • Line‑of‑Sight mechanic
  • Strategic hand management
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Requires positional awareness
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About the game
Unmatched: Houdini vs. The Genie is the latest installment in the miniature fighting game series that has won hearts worldwide. The premise stays true to the original formula: two heroes face off in a tactical duel where each has a unique deck full of cards representing attacks, defenses, and signature tricks. The twist is that there’s no luck – everything hinges on your action‑point strategy, the right card play timing, and precise board positioning. The Line‑of‑Sight mechanic forces you to think about every move: you must see your opponent to land a hit, and obstacles can alter the flow of combat. Hand‑management remains crucial, requiring careful planning of when to use each card, while each character’s powers change the play style. The theme blends fiction and history: Harry Houdini, the escape master, battles the legendary Genie of the Lamp, creating a duel of tricks and power bargains. For fans of the series, the new edition offers more strategic variety and a focus on direct combat, with 20‑minute turns perfect for short, intense sessions. If you love card‑based miniature combat, tactical play, and legendary characters, Unmatched: Houdini vs. The Genie will hook you. The only caveat: the learning curve can be steep for newcomers, but mastering a deck is worth every second.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Families

Category: Two-Player Fighting Games Components: Miniatures Components: Multi-Use Cards Folk Tales & Fairy Tales: Aladdin Game: Unmatched Historical Figures: Harry Houdini Misc: Made by Panda Mythology: Arabian Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher Restoration Games, CMON Global Limited, GaGa Games, Geekach LLC, IELLO, MeepleBR, Ogry Games, Reflexshop, TCG Factory, White Goblin Games, YOKA Games
Designer Adil M. Geresu, Brian Neff, Justin D. Jacobson, Noah Cohen, Rob Daviau, Sam Crane
Artist Brian Patterson, Peter Diamond
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game last?
Each turn takes about 20 minutes, so a full game usually lasts between 40 and 50 minutes.
How many players is it designed for?
It’s built for two players, though the original series has a four‑player version.
What’s the complexity level?
Medium to high. The action‑point, line‑of‑sight, and hand‑management mechanics require careful planning.
What components come with the game?
Miniatures of Houdini and the Genie, a combat board, themed card decks, action‑point tokens, and a rulebook.
Do I need prior experience with Unmatched?
No, but players who have played the series will have an advantage on the learning curve.
Is there multilingual support?
Yes, the cards and rulebook are available in Portuguese and English.
How does the "card play conflict resolution" mechanic work?
During combat, each player selects a card from their hand and reveals it simultaneously; the card with the higher value or effect wins the confrontation.