Derek 'Dez' Maggs 
As a seasoned TCG enthusiast—and when I say enthusiast, I mean someone who probably spends way too much on cardboard—I’ve explored various trading card games over the years, from Magic: The Gathering to Pokemon, even dabbling in Kickstarter TCGs trying to take off. So when I received an invitation to be among the first in Australia to play Disney Lorcana, I eagerly jumped at the opportunity.
The First Chapter launched in August 2023 to rave reviews, creating a buzz among Disney collectors and TCG fans alike. The demand was so high that the product wasn’t available in Australia until June 1st. Which is when at Ginny’s Lounge, myself and fellow media gathered, we delved into what all the hype surrounding Disney Lorcana was about.
Who Is This Game For? Players and Disney Fans Alike
Disney Lorcana caters to both casual and competitive players, whether die-hard Disney fans or newcomers. Created by Ravensburger, the game’s rules are straightforward, making it easy for beginners to grasp. Despite its simplicity, Lorcana offers strategic depth and synergy, which will only expand as the card base grows. With Disney’s vast catalogue of characters and movies, Lorcana is poised to become a top TCG.
The Sets
During the media event, we received two starter decks—one from each of the first sets: The First Chapter and Rise of the Floodborn. Exploring both sets allowed us to immerse ourselves in the game and witness its evolution in just two releases.
The First Chapter introduced us to the enchanting realm of Lorcana, capturing our hearts with whimsical artwork featuring beloved characters from childhood classics to modern favorites like Mickey & Minnie, Peter Pan & Cinderella, and even Moana & Elsa. It’s a delightful blend that caters to all ages, a pleasant surprise considering the breadth of Disney’s cinematic universe.
Now, let’s dive into the sequel, Rise of the Floodborn. Does it live up to the magic of its predecessor? Absolutely! This expansion introduces fresh mechanics, new abilities, synergies, and stunning cards that enhance the gameplay experience. It also adds more characters to the already brimming offerings from the first set
Gameplay
During gameplay, players utilize magical inks as resources to play cards and activate abilities, akin to Mana in Magic or Energy in Pokemon. Each card can be placed down to serve as ink, so thought you may have a hand of 7 cards filled with powerful options, you face the tough decision of how to allocate your ink. This strategic choice is pivotal: do you conserve ink for essential plays, risking a turn without playing any cards, or do you expend cards that might prove valuable later? This aspect of Lorcana adds depth and challenge to the game, preventing the frustration of being mana-starved as often happens in Magic.
In Lorcana, characters have attack and defense values and may feature special abilities, whether ongoing or one-time-use. The mechanics of attacking are distinctive as well—you can only attack questing characters, a rule that initially seems limiting but just not questing. Questing is not just an option but a necessity for scoring points, the path to victory in Lorcana’s lore-driven world where the goal is to reach 20 Lore, rather than depleting a life counter.
Strategic positioning, timing your moves, managing ink resources, and risking quests all contribute to the dynamic and engaging gameplay of Lorcana. It’s not enough to rely on overpowering characters to just quest away the game, as damage stacks. So no chump blocking in Lorcana. This forces more thought out planning and consist adaptating of your game play & game plan. In my 1st game, I found this stacking damage mechanic frustrating when my prized & overpowered, or so I thought, Queen fell in just two turns, dramatically altering my game plan.
For those interested in delving deeper into Lorcana’s rules, a comprehensive beginner’s guide is available on the game’s official site. Prior to playing, I found their series of short, step-by-step video tutorials invaluable, providing a clear and accessible introduction to the game mechanics. It’s a thoughtful approach by Ravensburger, the game’s creator, which I appreciate and wish more companies would adopt.
The Art
Need I say more? It’s Disney! Whether you’re a new fan or have cherished Disney since the days of steamboat Mickey, Lorcana offers a fresh perspective on beloved characters.
Special mention goes to Matt Chapman, one of the artists behind Lorcana, who was presence at the event. He opened up about his experiences, his love of Disney & his excitement of seeing people enjoy a game he worked on. He even signed my Fairy Godmother card.
Overall Impressions
Initially skeptical about whether Disney Lorcana would offer substance beyond nostalgic appeal, I was blown away. It’s not just pretty pictures; it’s a game with depth and strategy that quickly became one of my favorite TCGs. The artwork is stunning, but it’s the gameplay that truly sets Lorcana apart. It’s challenging, strategic, and evolves with the player, introducing novel elements that add nuance to each match.
Do yourself a favor—grab a few starter decks and play with your friends. Disney Lorcana promises to be something special!
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