Shadows of the Academy is a cooperative card game designed for students in grades 4-7. Created as part of Alberta Health's tobacco prevention curriculum, the game has players take the roles of students in a mysterious academy, trying to defeat dastardly villains while keeping their friends safe. The students all have two unique ability cards that may be played once during the game. Players win when they defeat 5 villains, but they lose if any player is unable to draw at the beginning of their turn, or if the deck of cards is depleted before all 5 villains are defeated. Players may play cards from their hand to heal themselves or their peers, or to weaken villains. Harm cards lower hand size, so keeping an eye on each other is an integral part of the gameplay, as cards drawn at the end of a round could be helpful, they could be harmful, or they could be another villain to fight! -description from designer

We may earn a small commission when you buy through these links.