Photo by Bonus Action
Getting into deck-building tabletop games can be a daunting task. It can take months to collect enough cards to build a solid deck, and even longer to master the mechanics well enough to play against others. This can deter new players from getting involved. However, Command of Nature introduces players to the concept of competitive deck matches uniquely, with everything required to play right in the box.
Command of Nature can be played with two or four players. Teams will each select one of four Sage styles, and then pit those Sages and their decks against each other in a fight to become the Master of the Elements. This will require a combination of strategy and cunning, as each deck offers different strengths and weaknesses while in play.
Key Details
- Publisher: Unstable Games
- Where to Buy: Unstable Games Store/Amazon
- Price: $20.00
- Time to Play: 30-60 Minutes
- Number of Players: Two or Four
- Recommended Age: 10+
- Review Sample Provided: Yes
Complex Gameplay Creates a Learning Curve
I love a complicated board game and am always drawn to options that aren’t a rehash of Monopoly or Catan. After opening the lid of Command of Nature, I knew this was my type of game. Tokens of multiple types, decks of cards with labels, and a stack of playboards immediately indicated I would need to read the instructions several times.
I was not wrong. Command of Nature can be daunting to jump into when playing for the first time. Players must set up their battle formation, keep track of attacks, juggle multiple types of cards, and strategize combat while keeping an eye on their opponent’s moves.
However, once through a few matches, the flow of the game becomes addictive and offers the same excitement as an intense Pokémon TCG or Magic the Gathering match. I wanted to try every deck type, learn every card that could be added to the base decks from the Market, and find new ways to outplay my friends.
Command of Nature is Perfect for Deck Building Newbies
While Command of Nature isn’t for audiences under 10 years old, this is the perfect game for introducing older kids to deck-building mechanics. My first thought when playing through this was how perfect it would be for our eleven-year-old niece.
Because everything needed to play is in the box, new gamers won’t be at an unfair disadvantage due to card collecting. Both the Pokémon TCG and Magic the Gathering struggle with new player accessibility due to the need to buy so many cards. Command of Nature removes this, allowing players to focus on mechanics instead of collecting.
While it might take a few rounds for the youngest players to pick up on the rules, the ability to form teams of two-on-two allows parents to act as partners to their children. I know I can’t wait for my son to be old enough to jump into this so I can be his Sage mentor against his aunt and uncle when we play together.
Command of Nature Has Artwork Everyone Will Love
Continuing on the topic of accessibility, Command of Nature has the cutest artwork. The adorable, brightly colored cards are perfect for older fans of cuddly designs, and younger players who aren’t ready for the grit and gore of Magic the Gathering.
The style is similar to a combination of Neopets and Pokémon, with pandas, tigers, frogs, and more all depicted in cute little fantasy outfits. I found myself trying to buy out the Market as we played to see how many cute critters I could add to my team by the end of the match.
In a timeframe where gritty, mature games are more popular than ever in the tabletop world, it is nice to pick something family-friendly and light-hearted, but with enough challenge to keep players of any age engaged.
Final Score: 9/10
Command of Nature is a a great pick for fans of deck-building games, or those wanting to try deck-battling out without the steep price of card collecting. Every match offers new strategies, making it delightfully replayable.
With artwork and game rules that are perfect for young teens, this is a great purchase for family game nights, as well as a good selection for parties or hangouts. Command of Nature is fun, addictive, and charming – a truly brilliant good time.
**A sample copy of Command of Nature was provided to Bonus Action for the purpose of this review**
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