Disney Lorcana's new expansion proves that this isn't a flash in the pan

Tabletop GamingDisney Lorcana’s new expansion proves that this isn’t a flash in the panWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. Tabletop GamingDisney Lorcana’s new expansion proves that this isn’t a flash in the panWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Benjamin Abbott) Ever since it was announced, Lorcana has been making waves. Whether it’s the exceptional sales that saw it go out of stock everywhere or success that’s given publisher Ravensburger enough confidence to drop four expansions per year, this has been one of the biggest tabletop releases in a long time. And thanks to the new mechanics seen throughout Into the Inklands (its latest expansion), I don’t think that’s novelty talking. IfDisney Lorcanakeeps on like this, it’s here to stay. A sea change? (Image credit: Benjamin Abbott) Weighing in on the new starter decks (Image credit: Benjamin Abbott) Even though it’s a simple concept overall, they do plenty to reinvigorate play (particularly if you’re interested in more competitive games). While I have concerns that this might upset the balance with older pre-made decks, they’re a promising sign that Disney Lorcana isn’t a flash in the pan. However, in keeping with Lorcana’s accessible nature, it’s not a complex shakeup. Although it’s a shame that the location rules are found in the quick start guide rather than on cards themselves like almost everything else in the game, they’re still very easy to get your head around. When in use, locations earn you one or more points at the start of each turn just for… well, being there. Some locations feature special abilities too, allowing you to shift the balance of power ever so slightly in your favor. As an example, Moana’s island home of Motunui can ‘reincarnate’ defeated characters for use as ink. New strategies (Image credit: Benjamin Abbott) Speaking of characters, a few of the new additions possess bonuses that are only activated when they ‘move’ to a location. While you’ll have to pay to get them there, these abilities can be devastating if timed well. The Kakamora (coconut-wearing raiders from Moana) cause opponents to lose a point when their power is activated, for example. Hei Hei the chicken does the same thing. Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more Yes, I’m concerned that players using locations will have an advantage over someone relying on older Disney Lorcana starter decks. The opportunity to gain lore without doing anything at all is powerful, after all. But in fairness, I suppose thisdoesput a massive target on a location’s back. And because they’re so easy to get rid of (foes can attack them without taking damage in return), they become a priority as soon as they’re deployed. The main job of a rule system… is to be a strong frame, like a house frame, so that it can hold a nice roof and floors and furnitureRyan Miller, Disney Lorcana co-designer The main job of a rule system… is to be a strong frame, like a house frame, so that it can hold a nice roof and floors and furniture In essence, locations present a massive change for Lorcana despite being so simple. It’s very much in-line with designer Ryan Miller’s comment when the game launched last year; hetold us in an interviewthat he wanted the core rules to always be simple and act as a skeleton you can hang other things from. More specifically, “the main job of a rule system, in my opinion, other than fun and that sort of thing, is to be a strong frame, like a house frame, so that it can hold a nice roof and floors and furniture.” For more recommendations on what to play next, be sure to check out our guides on thebest board gamesand thebest tabletop RPGs. 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wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the 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Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”