Disney Lorcana, the new trading card game from German-based Ravensburger, walks a fine line as it attempts to attract experienced card and tabletop gamers, while also offering an accessible introduction for casual players, younger fans, or Disney aficionados new to TCGs altogether.
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Lorcana frequently blends recognizable Disney themes with straightforward yet strategic gameplay. Based on several sessions with some of Lorcana’s preconstructed starter decks, the game has clear potential for scaling engagement; there’s ample room to dive into meticulous, competition-fueled deck building, or maintain a more casual approach focused on the simple joy of taking your favorite Disney characters on magical adventures.
In Lorcana, players assume the role of Illumineers with the power to use magical ink to summon Glimmers, the game’s versions of Disney characters and items. Unlike with Magic: The Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh!, Lorcana players aren’t racing to reduce an opponent’s life total. Rather, the object of the game is to collect 20 lore points by sending characters on various adventures.
One crucial mechanic discourages players from simply siloing themselves off in their own adventures, and prevents opponents passing like ships in the night: Lorcana features its own version of combat, in which players can
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