We played the Encounters game I recently ordered from Mayfair. This is "Encounters" the card/dice game --- not Cosmic Encounters -- the fun space game. Turns out it is only $7 because it doesn't include a box or dice. That's fine, but they should have told me this when I ordered it. The cards are cheap stock, but again, that's okay. I'm glad to be able to play the game I thought died about 15 years ago.

The game is best with 2-4 players (I think best with 3). Each player is given 7 "Hero" cards and 7 "monster and magic" cards (including monsters used to attack the other players' heroes and treasure to strengthen/ protect your heroes and spells, etc). You draw 2 monster and magic cards each turn. You can play up to 2 cards from your hand each turn.

The object is to collect treasure and use your monsters to finish off the other players' heroes while protecting yours. The random draw of heroes at the beginning is huge. A bad draw means you have little chance to win the round. Heroes range from Paladins and Dwarves to Wizards and Clerics (Yes, there is a strong D&D influence --this is basically a simple D&D card game). The game was as fun as I remember. A nice alternative (or break) from complicated wargames. I actually got crushed in the 2 rounds we played -- largely due to terrible initial draws.

I'd recommend the game, but don't expect great art or components. It is fun and includes a great deal of interaction between the players (along the lines of "Don't attack me! -- Can't you see she is about to win?" and the like). Order it directly from Mayfair.