Usurper: A Game of Dark Factions (2021)

Usurper is a fast-paced, highly strategic card drafting and grid placement game for 2 players. In this dark fantasy game, you’ll recruit followers from the realm’s four distinct factions, then unite them in a bid to dominate your adversary and seize the throne. Each game of Usurper plays in about 15-20 minutes, with matches moving quickly across three simple phases. Drafting Phase - Players alternate drafting followers from the recruitment row to build a 9-card hand, taking into account their secret bonus scoring card. Card Placement Phase - Players alternate placing their followers on their own 3x3 grid, firing instant card abilities and taking care to maximize their placement to get the most value. Scoring Phase - Everyone tallies their 3x3 grid, adding each card's base score, any special card abilities, and their secret bonus scoring card. —description from the publisher