Disney Lorcana is the Hottest Game of 2023
Toy Fair 2023 was an immersive journey into the world of toys and games, where innovation and excitement reign supreme. Among the bustling booths, one stood out in the most enchanting way possible – Ravensburger. Renowned for its captivating games and puzzles, Ravensburger did not disappoint this year.
Our visit to the Ravensburger booth was nothing short of amazing and was the highlight of our entire weekend. Our Lorcana encounter with Ryan Miller (co-creator) and hands-on gameplay have our team convinced that Lorcana is destined to be the holiday season’s hottest sensation.
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Our adventure began as we entered the Ravensburger booth, where a stunning display of the wildly popular Villainous board game greeted us. Villainous, a game that lets players step into the shoes of Disney’s most iconic villains, has become a board gaming sensation since its debut. The booth was buzzing with excitement, as attendees eagerly explored the latest expansion packs, each centered around a different malevolent Disney villain.
The concept extends beyond Disney Villains and delves into the Marvel and Star Wars Universe additionally. The Villainous experience at Ravensburger’s booth is a highlight in itself, but little did we know that something even more enchanting awaited us. I observed the center of the booth where Ravensburger’s latest game, Lorcana, was being demonstrated. As our appointment time approached, I grew more excited as I eavesdropped on the explanation of the cards and their function within the game.
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No words of mine could better describe the lore of the game, so allow me to describe the premise by sharing the story available online:
A Swirl of Colorful Starlight Appears, growing brighter and brighter until it is all you can see. When the burst of light subsides, you find yourself in a wondrous new place. Welcome to the Great Illuminary, the center of a magical realm called Lorcana.
The Illuminary summoned you here because of your powerful imagination. You follow a pulsing line of light through curving hallways and numerous rooms to emerge into a vast atrium. A mechanism there towers over an open book. Sparkling down from above is a stream of colorful story stars, each containing fragments of Disney stories.
Nearby, a unique tool catches your eye. It’s an inkcaster, and when you pick it up, it feels both exciting and familiar. Instinctively, you hold it high above the open book. Magical ink pulsing with energy flows through the mechanism and combines with the light from a story star on a page of the lorebook in front of you, creating an image of a Disney character.
With the power of your inkcaster, the image rises off the page. This is a glimmer, a new version of the character that only exists in this world. As an Illumineer, you can create glimmers of characters and items to add to the lore of Lorcana—a treasure that must be preserved and protected at all costs.
Soon, other Illumineers across the globe will be called to the aid of Lorcana. You’ll summon glimmers to quest with you as you search for missing lore in a race against time. Only together can you protect this wondrous realm from threats.
~Will you answer the call?
Each deck can contain two types of ink that can be used to draw glimmers. Amber, Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, and Steel colored inks are combined to create 60 card decks with which to play the game. There are three types of cards, each with a very clear and easily understood purpose.
The art design of the Lorcana cards is simply breathtaking. Each card is a miniature work of art, meticulously crafted with intricate details and vibrant colors. The Disney characters, both familiar and reimagined, come to life in a way that’s visually stunning. Whether it’s the ethereal glow of magic inks or the dynamic poses of the characters, the cards are a feast for the eyes. The artistry adds an extra layer of enchantment to the gameplay, making every draw and play a visually captivating experience that immerses you deeper into the magical world of Lorcana.
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The announcement of Lorcana at the 2023 D23 Expo was an electrifying moment that left no doubt in anyone’s mind that this game was destined for greatness. The anticipation in the expo was electric. However, it was the reaction of the crowd when the pre-release promo cards were revealed that sealed in my mind the game’s fate as a future hit.
The thunderous applause, excited whispers, and gasps of awe from the audience made it abundantly clear that Lorcana had struck a chord with Disney fans and gamers alike. It was a moment of collective recognition that this was not just another card game; it was a magical journey waiting to be embarked upon, and the overwhelming response at the D23 Expo foreshadowed its forthcoming success.
Before I get into my hands-on experience with Lorcana I want to stress something important. I’ve loved playing Customizable Card Games since college. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to try out the new Lorcana Card Game and get hands-on with a full demonstration. The buzz around this game was palpable, and we couldn’t wait to learn more. That’s when co-developer Ryan Miller, a true magician of game design, approached us with a twinkle in his eye.
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Ryan offered to give us a demonstration of Disney Lorcana, and within minutes, we were enchanted by its gameplay. A strategy card game set in the magical world of Disney, Lorcana was easy to pick up, yet offered deep strategic depth. The game’s mechanics seamlessly blended Disney characters and spells, creating an immersive experience that instantly captivated us. This game can be easily learned in minutes, and you can continue to master the game and the mechanics in perpetuity so that you will never grow tired of it.
Our real adventure began when we sat down to play Disney Lorcana with Ryan. He jumped out to an early lead, showcasing his expert understanding of the game. However, the tables soon turned in an unexpected twist of fate. With strategic plays and a touch of Disney magic, thanks to some self-sacrifice from everyone’s favorite snowman Olaf, we managed to secure a surprising victory.
My thrilling victory in Disney Lorcana was undoubtedly the highlight of our time at Toy Fair 2023. The game’s accessibility and strategic depth make it a must-have for any board game enthusiast, and we’re convinced that it will be the hottest game of the upcoming holiday season.
Disney Lorcana’s emergence is also sparking a resurgence of interest in strategy card games, as it seamlessly combines the beloved Disney universe with the depth of traditional strategy card gameplay. Rise of the Floodborn will be released at local game stores and Disney Parks on Friday, November 17th. A special Disney 100 Edition will be released on (December 1st).
Our visit to the Ravensburger booth at Toy Fair 2023 was an enchanting journey filled with magic, strategy, and unforgettable moments. From the captivating Villainous board game to the rising star, Disney Lorcana, we left the booth with hearts full of excitement and anticipation for the gaming adventures that lie ahead. Be sure to keep an eye out for Disney Lorcana – it’s destined to be a holiday season sensation that will reignite the passion for strategy card games.
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