Puzzle Strike: Third Edition
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 20 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.7 / 5
- Year
- 2012
About the game
Puzzle Strike is a deckbuilding game played entirely with cardboard chips instead of cards, simulating the frantic combo chains of puzzle video games like Puzzle Fighter. Choose from ten distinct characters, each with different starting gameplay, then buy chips from a shared bank to build your engine and unleash devastating combos on your opponents. A built-in comeback mechanic ensures that falling behind still lets you pull off bigger plays than usual, keeping every game close. This Third Edition adds Panic Time to prevent overly long games, new 2v2 team and Custom Clockwork drafting modes, and refined tournament balance from designer David Sirlin.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team rates Puzzle Strike highly for how much strategic depth it packs into a deceptively silly "shake a bag of chips" presentation. David Sirlin's competitive-balance pedigree shows through in how tight and reactive the gameplay feels, even for casual players. The variable character powers and huge number of starting combinations give it enormous replay value. A great deckbuilder for groups who want both approachable fun and serious competitive depth.
What we like
- Ten characters and huge starting variety drive replayability.
- Built-in comeback mechanic keeps games close.
- Balanced for serious competitive/tournament play.
- Fast setup using chips instead of shuffled cards.
Keep in mind
- Deckbuilding combos can be overwhelming for newcomers.
- Some players may prefer traditional card-based deckbuilders.
- Chip components, while fun, are less common than cards.
Who it's for
Great for ages 10+ deckbuilding fans and competitive gamers looking for a 2-4 player game with high replayability.
