Mindbug: First Contact

Today's review is of the 2022 release, Mindbug: First Contact. For two players, it takes 15-25 minutes.

Overview

In Mindbug, you will play and attack with bizarre and hilarious creatures. Your opponent will do the same . . . but beware! Each player has two mindbug cards that can be used during the game to take control of opponent's creatures . . . so what you play and when matters greatly. 

Mindbug is simple to set up and play. Each player starts with three life, two mindbug cards (on the table), and a deck of 10 creature cards (dealt from a common deck). Each player draws five of their cards and play begins. 

On your turn, you either play a single card or attack with a single creature.

- play a single card: you choose and play a creature from your hand. Each creature has a power, name, and may have unique abilities. Whenever you play a card, your opponent may choose to use one of their mindbug cards (turning it facedown to indicate use) to take control of it . . . so plan carefully.

- attack with a single creature: you choose a creature you control and attack with it. Your opponent may choose to block. If they do, the creature with higher power wins (and loser is discarded). If they do not, they lose one life.

It is just that simple! Play continues until one player's life is at zero or one player cannot do either of the above actions on their turn.

You can see pictures of the game and download the rules on the boardgamegeek site.

Review

This game is light, fast, fun, and features a pleasing mix of chance and choice (luck and strategy). The mindbug cards plus other abilities on the creature cards results in a lot of strategic depth—but there are times you simply won't be able to win based on the cards you've been dealt (or choices made earlier in the game). The cards themselves are amusing, delivering a light-hearted experience. Recommended.

Rating: B+