Malediction is a new game that blends miniature games with card game mechanics. So let’s check out the two player starter box!
Loot studios sent us an unsolicited copy of their new two player starter box for Malediction along with a pair of additional seeker decks. While I had heard of the game previously, I wasn’t able to check it out fully. But then this showed up and, well, here we are!
What Is Malediction?
If you haven’t heard of Malediction before it’s a game that got a bunch of attention thanks to a highly successful Gamefound campaign. It’s a blend of Miniatures combat and Card mechanics. But I think one of the biggest draws is that it’s “the world’s first 3D-Printable Miniatures Card Game!” Which sounds neat if you’re into 3D-Printing. Unfortunately, I don’t own a 3D-Printer. But that doesn’t mean I can’t play this game. That’s because of the new starter boxes.
These boxes come with everything you need to actually hop in and start playing. They’ve got full decks for the card mechanic side of the house as well as miniature standees for all the units you can summon forth. Here’s a look at the card lists from their website:
It’s also worth noting that a lot of the info for this game is available on their website directly. In fact, all the cards are available to check out in their content library. Want to know what Herald of Salvation does in game? Just search for it in their library. Pretty cool!
Getting Into The Starter Box
Again, everything comes in the box and it allows two players to jump right in. You’ve got a game map to play on, all the aforementioned standees with bases, and the decks. You’ll also get all the tokens and a D20 to play the game. There’s also a quick start guide and lore leaflet, too. Oh, and we can’t forget the ruler either. This is a miniatures game after all!
You’ll need the dials to track your Echo and Mastery.
There’s punch-out terrain to use as well. It’s also worth noting that there’s a redeem code for all 47 STL files if you DO have a 3D printer. So you can go nuts printing out all these miniatures and terrain features if you so choose to. It’s worth noting that the terrain from the punch outs is color coded to help explain what parts are “playable” and which parts are not.
For non-3D-Printer owners (like myself) these standees will work just find to get the hang of the game. For the most part, the game is played in 2D with measurements going to and from bases. The 3D miniatures and terrain are there for the visuals but the rules are really 2D abstractions. That’s not a bad thing! It’s actually helps to keep things really simple (at least from keeping arguments down when it comes to the rules).
In fact, the rules are also available online for you to read. So if you’re curious about how to actually play the game check those out! There’s also a free print-and-play demo you can use if you’re really looking to jump in. And you don’t need a 3D-Printer for it. These are all paper based. However, there are a few free STL files if you want to 3D-print some off, too.
If that still feels like too much of a commitment, you can also get the game on Tabletop Simulator as well. There’s an official mod you can download to check out the game.
They also sent us one of the 3D printed “husks” which was plenty creepy looking!
Two Seeker Decks
As mentioned they also sent us two more Seeker decks to check out. These are essentially card packs for a new faction to play. You also the cards and themed D20. You also get redeem codes for 20 STL files to 3D print. If you want the standees, you can order those separately.
I do like the artwork for the cards and the standees as well. I also appreciate the fact that you can still participate in this game without having a 3D-Printer. That said, their shop has options for both Standee packs as well as Miniature packs now as well. Personally, I’d like to read up on the lore a bit more before I get into Malediction. I think the concept of a miniatures/card game is an interesting one. The Two Player starter is a good deal for what you’re getting. There’s even a different starter box if you want to check out two other factions as well.
Another thing I do like about Malediction is how easy they make it to check out the game before you buy. Between the free rules, the demo, and TTS mod, you can really get a feel for if this game is for you. I think that if I had a 3D-Printer I’d probably be even more likely to hop into Malediction. But for now I’m going to keep poking at the game with the standees. I’m still getting a feel for the gameplay and I haven’t decided if the mix of miniatures and cards is for me yet. To be clear, I’m not saying it’s a bad game or system. Far from it. I’m just still exploring it to see if this is one that is going to resonate with me personally.
Have you gotten to check out Malediction yet? What do you think of the Miniature/Card gameplay?
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Writer, Editor, Texas Native, and now Tex-Pat, Adam covers all things Tabletop Gaming. Which includes Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, D&D, Board Games and everything else that involves dice, boards, cards and a table.
A hobbyist, player, and collector of miniatures and games, Adam’s current obsession are his Death and Chaos Armies for Age of Sigmar, his Blood Angels and Tyranids for 40k, an expanding collection of Marvel: Crisis Protocol minis, and his ever growing Arkham Horror: The Card Game Collection.
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