 Redemption
is a collectible card game that heavily uses Biblical imagery and
takes its game play straight out of the pages of the Bible.
The object of the game is to rescue lost souls. The first
player to have rescued the required number of lost souls wins the
game.
For those who may be
new to this kind of card game, here's a brief explanation of what
it's like. Unlike the usual card games, you don't just buy one
deck and have every card with which to play. In a collectible
card game you can continue to get new cards to add to your
deck. These cards add new play strategies, keeping the game
play fresh.
Usually, there are more cards than can be used in
a single deck and so players must decide which cards they will use
before beginning a game. Often, players will build several
different decks and switch between them during a night of
playing. Sound intriguing? If so, then you're not
alone. This kind of card game has grown hugely popular in the
last six years.
Redemption is the
first Christian-themed card game in this new genre. Since then
a few others have appeared but none with the depth of game play
Redemption offers. One of the main reasons for this depth is
that players play both sides of the conflict over the souls of
mankind. At the same time they are trying to rescue souls,
they are trying to prevent other players from rescuing the souls
held captive in their play area.
Off hand this might
sound a bit "unchristian" but it's not. The goal of
the game remains the same and a proper balance is maintained between
good and evil cards. Each is kept in their proper biblical
perspective. The player is not encouraged to play evil.
Instead the focus of the game is consistently on strategies to win
lost souls for Christ. The fact that the player controls the
"evil" cards simply improves game play dramatically.
There's nothing like a real person to challenge you, especially in a
game where even the most powerful computers would have trouble
keeping up.
I found nothing
offensive about the way Redemption handled evil characters or their
abilities. They always related to biblical stories and
situations. In fact, I admire the folks who made Redemption
for creating innovative game play while still remaining true to
their Christian perspective.
Game mechanics are
relatively straight forward for this kind of game. Some effort
needs to be put into understanding the game mechanics and how each
card type interacts with other cards. For instance, you can
only play cards of a certain color (suit?) on Hero cards of the same
color. Some cards come with special instructions printed on
them. For instance, the "Elijah's Mantle" card says
"All of holder's Hero cards gain 2/2 while this card is in
play."
The basic card
set comes complete for two players to play the game. For those
new to collectible card games, this is the way to go at first.
For those who have
experience playing other collectible card games, you will probably
want to opt for getting a number of the newer cards which contain
numerous enhancements and variations to the game.
Unfortunately
I have no experience playing with the new cards because of the
single greatest drawback to this game. It
can be hard to find someone to play the game with. In fact, if
you are an experienced Redemption player and can write, consider
writing up a review and submit it to us. We just might replace
this one with yours.
So, if you want to
play the game, look around for someone else who wants to play the
game as well. If you find someone, or better yet, if you have a group
that enjoys games, this is something you'll definitely want to try
out. The basic card game set is inexpensive and you can easily
find out if the game will hold your interest or your group's.
Youth groups looking
for a new, interesting and uplifting game, will want to check this
game out as well. Likely, a number of your youth will have
played other collectible card games such as Magic the
Gathering. Do them a favor and introduce them to Redemption.
And speaking of other
collectible card games, how does Redemption stack up against
them? Quite favorably, especially with the newer rules and
cards. What the early version of Redemption lacked was depth
of game play compared to other collectible card games. That
has largely been addressed, and while I don't know if Redemption has
equaled the game play of Magic the Gathering, I think it compares
favorably. I'd really know better if I could find someone to
play with regularly! Anyone from St Louis out there?
The Redemption web
site has lots of helpful information. In addition there are
several player web sites that offer even more information. What
would be really neat is if they could develop an online version of
Redemption. Then I could really find someone else to play
with. I'm beginning to sound pitiful, aren't I?
Finally, the game is
called a "collectible" card game for a reason. One
of the fun aspects of the game is collecting (or trying to) all the
cards they've made for it. I've got all the cards of all the
expansions except for the last and I'm a bit leery to purchase those
because....I can't find anyone to play with! <sound of a
slap>. Sorry about that. I'll probably end up getting
all the cards of the set because it has some really neat cards,
gorgeous artwork and some interesting twists to game play and I'm
sure that someday I'll find someone to play it with!
Someday! Sigh.
Well, after all this,
what's the final verdict? We highly recommend
Redemption. It's a solid game that does nearly everything
right. The cards are interesting and beautiful. The game
play is varied and has sufficient depth even for hardened
collectible card game players (how deep I'd really like to find out
first hand).
You can purchase the
game at your local Christian bookstore (if they don't have it on
hand they can easily order it), at some collectible card shops/comic
book stores (Call and ask first. They can order as well if
they don't have it in stock). Or you can order it online at
the Redemption web site.
Final
Score
Highlights: Strong
game play, excellent artwork, latest cards add some needed depth for
hardened collectible card players.
Lowlights:
It's made me whiney about not being able to find someone to play it
with.
Recommendation:
Buy it if the idea of playing it intrigues you.
Age Appropriateness:
Young teens through adults.
Christian
Sense (CS): 4
Game
Mechanics (GM): 4
Game
Play (GP): 4 +-
Overall:
4 |
