Mage Wars Academy

Mage Wars Academy is a fantastic entry point into the world of Mage Wars. It's a streamlined, two-player starter set that provides a quick and engaging experience, perfect for those who want to avoid the complexities of the full Mage Wars Arena game. The "boardless" design makes it incredibly portable and easy to set up.

The core gameplay is similar to Mage Wars Arena, with two mages battling head-to-head. What sets Academy apart is the innovative spellbook system. Instead of drawing cards randomly, you can play any card from your spellbook, allowing for strategic planning and mana management.

The rules are incredibly easy to learn, even for those unfamiliar with card games. I found myself enjoying the dice rolling combat, and the game's overall feel is similar to games like Hearthstone or Magic: The Gathering, but with a unique spin.

While the game is designed to be fast-paced (around 30-40 minutes), I found myself spending a bit longer due to the time spent strategizing and choosing cards. The game is quite deep, with lots of opportunities for experimentation and discovery. I've found that even after multiple plays, there's always something new to learn and try.

I've seen some people mention that the box is a little small, and I agree that it can be a tight fit if you sleeve your cards. Personally, I don't mind, but it's something to be aware of.

Overall, I highly recommend Mage Wars Academy for anyone looking for a fun, strategic, and accessible two-player card game. The price is fantastic for the amount of content you get, and the game is well-balanced and engaging. I'm definitely looking forward to trying out the expansions!