The Unmatched series offers some of the tabletop gaming industry's most engaging and accessible experiences. Made by Restorations and distributed by Mondo, a collectible company recently bought out by Funko, the Unmatched series of tactile board games has had an interesting ownership history; but one thing has remained the same. There's no shortage of awesomeness and fun waiting around the bend with the always fun, always consistent Unmatched games.
From its most fun Marvel tie-ins featuring a who's who of heroes, to unexpected but irresistible twists on legendary lore and myth, Unmatched boasts a dynamic array of themes — as much an appealing factor as the fast-paced and immersive gameplay. Newcomers looking for the best Unmatched edition have plenty of applicable picks below. Even seasoned players, with a full fleet of Unmatched titles already adorning their shelves, can still find the next exciting edition to integrate into game night by simply scrolling onward. Unmatched board game fun awaits!
Unmatched - Battle Of Legends Vol 1
Editor's Choice See at AmazonUnmatched Jurassic Park: Ingen Vs. Raptors
Best Prehistoric Battle See at AmazonUnmatched Slings And Arrows
Most Theatrical See at AmazonUnmatched: Marvel - Redemption Row
Most Marvel-ous $35 at WalmartUnmatched Adventures: Tales To Amaze
Most Accessible See at Amazon- See More
Unmatched: Marvel - Hell's Kitchen
Hardest Hitting See at Amazon
6 Unmatched Sets Perfect for Beginners and Experts Alike
Editor's ChoiceUnmatched - Battle Of Legends Vol 1
The start of something special.
Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One throws you into a conflict of legendary proportions between figures from myth and story, such as King Arthur and Sinbad. Maneuver marvelous miniatures depicting the squad and engage in legendary clashes.
Pros & Cons- The first of two volumes, kickstarting your Unmatched experience.
- Unique, impressive art puts modern spins on mythological icons.
- Balancing the game can be complex for beginners.
Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One pits legends like King Arthur and Alice (of "Wonderland" fame) in thrilling tactical duels. The unique abilities of each hero bring these legends to life in new and exciting ways, complemented even more so by beautifully illustrated boards.
Boosted by Unmatched's trademark quality gameplay and aesthetics alike, every game is fresh and engaging; a perfect mix of strategy and on-theme fun that fans of tactical games will love. While the learning curve is a bit steep, the payoff is worth it. The asymmetrical gameplay offers endless replayability, ensuring no Battle of Legends clashes are the same. It's worth mentioning, too, that Volume Two is also stellar, made better by experiencing the first iteration.
Best Prehistoric BattleUnmatched Jurassic Park: Ingen Vs. Raptors
Hold onto your butts.
Unmatched: Jurassic Park – InGen vs. Raptors lets you command the InGen team or the Raptors in high-stakes battles. Experience a thrilling mix of strategic gameplay and dinosaur-themed action evocative of the fan-favorite film franchise.
Pros & Cons- Dinosaur minis some of the most detailed and immersive in the Unmatched line.
- Perfect entry point for fans of the Jurassic movies.
- The Raptors, mechanically, present a more complex play-style than InGen, turning off some.
Experience the thrill of the hunt in Unmatched: Jurassic Park – InGen vs. Raptors. Whether you're outsmarting raptors or devising strategies as InGen, each side in this Unmatched set's titular showdown offers unique and inspired gameplay. Detailed miniatures and vibrant artwork bring the Jurassic Park universe to life, adding an immersive touch for those who love the dino-centric cinematic saga.
While mastering the rules and new specifics, especially when it comes to the Raptors, can be challenging, the game's strategic depth keeps you coming back for more. Fans of the franchise and tactical games alike will find this a must-have addition to their collection, which, like life, will find a way, albeit into game night rotations.
Most TheatricalUnmatched Slings And Arrows
Shining a spotlight on this must-buy.
Enjoy fast-paced gameplay with a unique literary twist. Unmatched: Slings and Arrows offers just that, with a host of Shakespearean characters like Hamlet and Titania ready for dynamic dueling.
Pros & Cons- Shakespearean elements instill this Unmatched set with an elevated flair.
- A fun cocktail featuring Shakespeare's grittier, war-torn characters and his more enchanting, magical ones.
- The thematic focus and clever mechanics may be lost on some.
The worlds of William Shakespeare's legendary works take on new life in Unmatched: Slings and Arrows. While the school-informed literary association with Shakespeare may not scream "battle-based game," any fan of the playwright knows he never shied from his characters settling scores in a skirmish.
Whether it be the Weird Sisters — the ominous witches from Macbeth — or the game's battlefield, the historic Globe Theater, Shakespearean flair is imbued in every aspect of the game. The fast-paced skirmishes and clever expounding of Shakespearean themes in the game mechanics provide a dynamic and engaging for fans of the Bard Upon Avon.
Most Marvel-ousUnmatched: Marvel - Redemption Row
As Stan Lee would say, "Excelsior!"
You'll have plenty of "Heroes for Hire" with the Redemption Row, a Marvel-inspired Unmatched game added, to your library. Featuring 95 cards, three miniatures and awesome art worthy of a comic book splash page, this is a perfect choice for fans of super-heroics.
Pros & Cons- The street-level heroes provide a fresh, engaging POV of the Unmatched format.
- Exceptional production quality with detailed miniatures and artwork bring Marvel's legendary street-level aesthetic to the board game realm.
- Doesn't feature A-tier street heroes, such as Spider-Man.
Unmatched has no shortage of fun Marvel-inspired editions, but the thrill of Unmatched: Marvel - Redemption Row is how it brings the action to the street level. By introducing a cast of ground-and-pound heroes like Luke Cage, Ghost Rider, and Moon Knight into the fray, intense bouts and bountiful strategies inherently emerge with each play of the game.
Most importantly for Marvel fans, the representation of these Marvel icons is a treat, complete with fully realized and clever game mechanics and eye-catching artwork of their likeness. With top-tier production values and stunning miniatures, this entry impresses. Though complex, it's a fantastic addition for Marvel enthusiasts who appreciate games like Unmatched, offering a blend of strategy and superhero action.
Most AccessibleUnmatched Adventures: Tales To Amaze
Battle side-by-side with a bestie.
Tales to Amaze emphasizes teamwork within the Unmatched format, offering co-op cravers a chance to join in on the fun. Legendary heroes like Nikola Tesla and Sherlock Holmes get tagged in for cooperative battles against cryptids and UFOs, making for an innovative and adventurous addition to family game nights.
Pros & Cons- Cooperative play gets others in on the Unmatched action, plus promotes interaction at the table.
- Versatile hero options from different Unmatched sets enhance replayability.
- For PvP stalwarts, this one might miss the mark.
There's so much to love about Unmatched Adventures: Tales to Amaze. Not only does it offer gamers a world where legendary heroes from reality and fiction — from Nikola Tesla to Sherlock Holmes — unite to battle alien invaders and cryptids, but it also puts a co-op twist on the popular series. Looking to dip your toes into Unmatched but prefer working alongside your friends and family, rather than embattled against them? This is the set for you.
Designed for family and friends, this cooperative strategy game emphasizes teamwork. Even those already immersed in Unmatched games can benefit from adding Tales to Amaze to their libraries. With this set, there's flexibility to incorporate heroes from other Unmatched sets, making it an ideal choice for those interested in the Unmatched series with a preference for collaborative gameplay, or loyalists looking to add an amenable alternative for family game night.
Hardest HittingUnmatched: Marvel - Hell's Kitchen
It's not called "Heaven's Kitchen" for a reason.
Unmatched: Marvel - Hell's Kitchen delivers a high-stakes, visually striking experience for Marvel enthusiasts. Pitting street-level Marvel heroes like Daredevil and Bullseye against each other in gritty combat, the game perfectly encapsulates the intensity of its included characters.
Pros & Cons- conic Marvel characters are faithfully represented with high-quality miniatures.
- The gritty, street-level theme enhances the battling brutality.
- Some players may find the theme and complexity less accessible compared to other Marvel sets.
For Marvel-heads wanting an even more intense foray into the Stan Lee-founded superpowered universe of villains and heroes, the gritty world of Marvel with Unmatched: Hell's Kitchen, featuring Daredevil, Elektra, and Bullseye, should do the trick. The characters' unique abilities perfectly capture their comic book personas, offering a more brutal depiction of Unmatched action than many Marvel counterparts.
Unlike Redemption Row's street-clothed heroes like Luke Cage, Hell's Kitchen features iconic costumes that shine in miniature form, adding extra appeal to the set for fans and collectors. The thematic immersion and overall depth make this set a standout addition to the Unmatched series, Marvel or otherwise, perfect for those looking for a more visceral experience.
FAQ
What is Unmatched?
Unmatched is a tactical board game series created by Rob Daviau, Justin D. Jacobson, and the team at Restoration Games, known for their innovative approach to game design. The series features iconic characters from various franchises, such as King Arthur, Sherlock Holmes, and Deadpool, engaging in strategic duels with unique abilities and thematic boards.
How long does a typical Unmatched game take?
A typical game of Unmatched takes about 30 to 45 minutes, making it a quick yet engaging experience. The game's streamlined rules and tactical depth ensure that each session is both fast-paced and strategically satisfying.
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