# Unreliable Wizard

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2022
- **BGG Rating**: 6.5
- **BGG Rank**: #7046
- **Players**: 1 (Best with: 1)
- **Duration**: 15 min
- **Weight**: 1.83 / 5
- **Designers**: Kamibayashi (カミバヤシ)
- **Artists**: Kamibayashi (カミバヤシ)
- **Publishers**: TITANHEADS (チタンヘッズ), Salt & Pepper Games
- **Categories**: Adventure, Card Game, Fantasy
- **Mechanics**: Card Play Conflict Resolution

## Verdict
Unreliable Wizard is a gem for those looking for a quick and portable solo challenge. The mechanic of matching cards to cast spells is highly satisfying and adds an excellent thematic touch to combat. It is the kind of game you can throw in your backpack and play anywhere, perfect for when you crave an epic adventure in just 15 minutes.Clever card-combo mechanicsHighly portable with fast setupRewarding character progressionWell-balanced solo challengeCan be punishing if luck is against youLanguage dependency on cardsMinimalist components might not suit everyoneRECOMMENDED

## Description
If you've always wanted to be that apprentice wizard who, despite being a bit clumsy, needs to save the kingdom, Unreliable Wizard is your go-to game. In a compact and challenging solo journey, you take on the royal mission to defeat the Demon Lord and rescue the princess. With only 32 cards, the game manages to deliver a surprisingly deep adventure experience, where every decision counts toward your survival.

The map is your game board. At every step, you must manage your Life Points (LP) to traverse dangerous terrain. The twist here is that the terrain isn't just there to slow you down; it's where the action happens. When you encounter enemy minions, you enter a card-based conflict resolution system. It's not enough to just hold the right cards; you need to combine them to create effective magic patterns, as if you were actually casting a spell under pressure. And don't worry, you aren't alone: along the way, you can recruit traveling companions who bring special skills to your arsenal.

Progression is the heart of the game. If you are successful in battle, you are rewarded with new cards, expanding your magic options and growing your support group. The sense of evolution is constant, but the danger also increases as you approach the final showdown against the Demon King. It's a quick game, ideal for those moments when you want an epic immersion but don't have hours to spare for a complex setup. The simplicity of the components hides a difficulty that requires planning and a pinch of luck, ensuring that each playthrough is a different story of triumph or a memorable magical disaster. If you enjoy solo games that fit in your pocket and offer a real challenge of hand management and tactical combat, this apprentice wizard will win you over.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
This is a solo-only game, designed for you to face the challenge by yourself.

### How long does a game take?
It's quite fast! On average, you can complete the journey in about 15 minutes.

### Is it hard to learn?
The weight is low, so the rules are quite intuitive. You'll get the hang of the conflict resolution system after your first game.

### Do I need a lot of table space?
Not at all. Since it uses only 32 cards, it takes up very little space, making it perfect for small tables or even airplane trays.

### Is there a lot of luck involved?
There is a luck element when drawing cards, but the challenge lies in how you manage your hand and decide when to spend your life points.

### Is English proficiency required?
Yes, the cards have text explaining spells and abilities, so a basic knowledge of English is necessary.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 46.72 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6870544&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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