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Looney Labs, the creators of the Fluxx card game, have released more than forty different promo cards over the years. One of the more interesting examples is Pandora's Box.
Pandora's Box is an action card which, when played, will put three random rule cards into play, thereby fundamentally - and unpredictably - changing the current game environment.
This effect is perfectly in tune with the spirit of Fluxx. The ever-changing rules are the most intriguing aspect of the game, and Pandora's Box enhances that mechanism very nicely.
Interestingly (and somewhat improbably), this card will be appreciated both by those players who enjoy Fluxx solely for its randomness - three new rules are a generous helping of chaos by any standards - as well as by those looking for a bit more strategy in their games. Played at the right time, Pandora's Box allows you to make a lunge for the finish line when close to achieving your goal, and also works well to foil an opponent who is close to winning. Additionally, it can help you go through the deck quickly. When a card you need to reach your goals is languishing in the discard pile, that reshuffle can't come soon enough, and cards like this can make quite a difference.
This promo card was originally released together with Pandora's Boxx, a wooden box designed to hold Fluxx decks that, through the addition of promos and custom cards, had outgrown their original containers. As of this writing, the card is also available separately at the company's Web site, looneylabs.com.
The Bottom Line
Pandora's Box is a solid addition to any Fluxx deck. Like most promos, its inclusion in a deck is by no means necessary, but it's a nice way of keeping a deck fresh. It will appeal to all players, no matter whether they enjoy the pure chaos of the game or are always on the lookout for a strategic edge. And above all, it's very, very Fluxxy.
Special thanks to BGGer TrojanDan, who, with the help of various intercontinental detours, originally sent me the card. I did indeed enjoy the "little bit of added chaos." Many thanks!
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