We settle the console wars in Console Wars: The Card Game -.

While I clearly have a passion for video games, those who have been following me for a long time know that I also love board games. However, I generally hate it when these worlds intersect. Board games are rarely successfully ported to digital format, and board games based on video games often feel like superficially licensed products that don’t really add anything.

Console Wars: The Card Game, however, manages to be a kind of well-made middle ground. It is not based on a single game, there are no preconceptions about what to include and how things should work. Instead, you are thrown into the reality (well, sort of) of taking on the role of a heavyweight in the game industry, where you have to release your own games and keep fans happy – which, as we all know, is impossible. Angry console warriors are always ready to make life miserable for people who just want to play and have fun. After playing a few rounds with colleagues and friends, it’s pretty clear that this is not just an ironic concept for gamers based on a funny premise. It’s actually very cleverly designed. And a lot of fun.

Console Wars: The Card Game is, as the title suggests, a clear jab at the whole infected discussion about console platforms, exclusive titles, fanboys and publisher decisions that no one really wants, but everyone has an opinion on, regardless of whether the nonsense is to be defended (your own team) or criticized (perceived opponents). In short, you play to fight for market share, popular game releases and fan favor, all wrapped up in a presentation full of satirical nods to real titles like Starview Alley, Agitated Birds, Candy Ca$h, Car Tourismo and Resident Devil, which are just a few of my favorites.

These are the kind of cards you play to build your exclusivity portfolio that will hopefully win over the public. The goal is to be the first player to achieve four unique and complete genres in your portfolio, and the journey there is smart, nerdy and very exciting. I’m not sure it’s best to compare it to other video games or board games, but if I had to, I’d say it’s Mario Party meets Exploding Kittens.

The rules are very simple and everything you need to know is on a small help card that you can give to each player, while the rest of the cards speak for themselves. The basic principle is that each time it’s your turn, you draw two cards and perform a maximum of three actions (basically the same as playing three cards). So the rounds go quickly, but there is a surprising amount of strategy involved. Should you focus on building your strong game series quickly, winning lots of fans or trying to sabotage your opponents?

It’s hard to stick to a predetermined strategy because you have to navigate based on what’s happening on the board. There are few things more frustrating than being almost at the finish line, only to have someone else steal what you made and turn a certain advantage into a loss in one move.

One thing I want to emphasize is how well made everything is. The cards are high quality in terms of both print and paper, the illustrations are charming (many require you to know your game history to understand what is meant), and it is easy to get started. The only objections are that younger players will find it difficult to play because it still has some text in it, and I regret that the matching box is so small that it doesn’t hold the cards after you put them in the sleeve, something I do with basically all my games.

Console Wars: The Card Game feels complete as is, but there is already talk of expansions, charmingly referred to as DLC. Hopefully this will be a living game for a long time to come, because since Boss Monster: The Dungeon Building Card Game, I haven’t seen a video game-inspired board game so entertaining and lovingly designed. All of us who have participated in the console wars on various gaming forums and/or social media will have extra fun while perhaps feeling a little offended.

This is one of the most accurate, laughable card games I’ve tested in a long time. It combines high pacing, wicked humor and delightful banter in a game world that sometimes takes itself a little too seriously. We can’t help but recommend it.

Rating: 8 out of 10

View a presentation of the rules at this link.