Stats:
No. of players: 2-5
Amount of time to play: 45-60 min
Age requirements: 15+
Set-up time: 5 min

The DC Deck-Building Game contains some common deckbuilder mechanics, but it is set in the DC Universe. You must defeat Super Villains and gain cards to score more points than your opponents.

DC Deck-Building Game Rules Description:

In the DC Deck-Building Game you play a hero. The game ends when all the Super Villains are defeated or if the central draw deck runs out. You add the total value of all your cards and the hero with the most points wins.

To begin you choose (if your group wants this can be random) a super hero. Each hero has a unique power that helps them purchase cards and defeat Super Villains. You also get a starter deck.

You setup the play area by placing eight of the twelve available Super Villains facedown in a pile. The starting face-up villain is always Ra’s al Ghul. Next to the Super Villain deck you place the kick and weakness cards. The rest of the cards go in the central draw deck and the top five are laid out to create the lineup.

On your turn you play cards to gain power. Then you may purchase as many cards in the lineup and/or defeat a Super Villain worth up to the amount of power you have in play. Any cards you defeat or purchase go in your discard pile. At the end of a turn when you defeat a Super Villain a new one is flipped face up. It will attack the heroes in some way then play continues.

At the end of the game you add up all the values on your cards and the player with the most points wins.

Quick Review of the DC Deck-Building Game:

The DC Deck-Building Game is a fast, straightforward deckbuilder. It is very good for introducing the genre and is easy to play and explain.

The components for this game are very good. The artwork is really good as is the quality of the cards. The rules are easy to follow and read too.

The first thing I like about the game is how new Super Villains enter play. When they make their first appearance, they make their presence felt. Usually this means the heroes discard or destroy a card. But no matter what the effect, it is never good for the players.

I also like the fact that when cards attack you may play a defense card. This creates some interesting interaction and allows you to avoid some villain attacks.

The speed of the game is also a plus. It sets up and plays pretty quickly for a deckbuilding game. You build to a point and then Super Villains are dropping like flies.

The game is not flawless and might be too simple for some. The theme is hit and miss. Sometimes coming through loud and clear but at other times missing the mark. Some heroes also seem better or at least more flexible than others. None of these drawbacks are debilitating though and could be fixed with some expansions.

One other minor complaint is the amount of cleavage on the female cards. Not the end of the world for most. But this game can be played by young kids, and this artwork might keep some parents from allowing their kids to play it.

Although different in theme this game has similar mechanics to Ascension. It is more straight forward and easier to setup and tear down though. It also feels different because of the theme. It just feels more fun.

If you like deck building games or comics and super heroes you should try out the DC Deck-Building Game. Especially give this a try if you like the DC Universe.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 3 out of 6
Luck 4 out of 6
Player Interaction 4 out of 6
Replay Value 4 out of 6
Complexity 3 out of 6
Fun 4 out of 6
Overall 4 out of 6