Hackers versus a self-aware supercomputer in dystopian Japan.

It’s got a lot going on.

Masters of hacking, deception, and cyber warfare, the Deckers are determined to overthrow Mother and reclaim humanity’s free will.

Deckers Game Overview

Quick Rules Summary

Each game runs across a fixed number of cycles, and every cycle has a goal on an objective card that you’re working toward.

You only need to complete the final Gold objective to win, but failing earlier ones has consequences.

Each cycle runs through four phases.

The Intel phase reveals the current objective and any special rules.

The Command phase gives every Decker three turns, taken in any order.

On each turn, the SMC first spawns Sparks onto random spaces across the network, then the active Decker plays command cards to take actions.

Command cards are colour-coded and can be played for their command symbols to power actions, or for their keyword ability instead.

You expand your control by uploading coloured Programs and upgrading them into stationary Installations. The threat side is Sparks. If three land on the same space, they transform into a Guardian, and Guardians explode into adjacent spaces. Running out of Sparks or Guardians to place means instant loss.

The SMC phase has automatic attacks that strip your Programs, and Sparks migrate across the network.

How do you win?

Fulfil the goal on the final Gold objective card before the SMC overwhelms the network.

Main Mechanisms

Cooperative hand management, area control, deck upgrading, and dice combat.

USP

Each Decker has a unique asymmetric ability and starts with their own colour-coded command deck. The combination of who’s at the table changes how the team approaches the network, with each colour specialising in a different strategy.

Theme

Cyberpunk Japan is cool. The art is dark and stylised throughout.

Setup

More involved than it looks. Server tiles are arranged randomly, the objective deck is built by security level, SMC cards are consulted for special rules, and each Decker sets up their own play area.

Components & Artwork

The art on the profile cards and command cards is distinctive, the server tiles look good on the table, and the variety of tokens and pieces suits the theme. The symbol-heavy iconography takes time to learn.

Ease of Teaching

The rulebook is thorough, but there’s a lot to take in. It suggests starting with two players or solo.

Similar Games

Marvel United is the closest comparison I have. Cooperative hand management against an escalating threat, asymmetric powers, and a turn structure where the team shares actions.

Deckers Review

Positives

The asymmetric Decker abilities and colour-coded action system work well.

The art and theme are well done.

Negatives

Under the theme, it plays a bit blandly.

The iconography and rules density give a steep learning curve.

Summary

A good-looking cooperative game with a strong identity that struggles to deliver.

Jesta ThaRogue