The anticipation in the air is palpable as fans of Disney’s mystical card game, Lorcana, eagerly await the launch of its tenth set, whimsically titled “Whispers in the Well.” With the enigmatic name alone sparking intrigue, this release seems poised to add tantalizing new dimensions to both the narrative and gameplay experience. Scheduled for rollout in local game stores on November 7, and with a wider release on November 14, this staggered launch promises a week of excitement, peppered with promos and events that will ensnare both the curious and the dedicated.
At the heart of this new release is the introduction of a mysterious card type known simply as the Whisper. These cards are not merely enhancements or new characters, but virtual puzzle pieces that players must strategically fit together to unlock ultimate gaming potential. Crafted with a delicate parchment-like texture, adorned with tattered edges akin to secret pages torn from a spell-laden tome, these Whispers invite players into a narrative of fragmented characters seeking completion. Unveiled so far are some of Disney’s most enigmatic figures—Ursula as “Whisper of Vanessa,” the complex “Gaston, Frightful Bully,” the thoughtful “Megara, Secret Keeper,” and “Simba, King in the Making.”
Adding to the intrigue is the introduction of a fresh mechanic labeled Boost. Operating in a realm similar to the existing Shift ability, Boost requires players to nest a card beneath a Whisper instead of the traditional Ink cost. This mechanic adds a layer of strategic depth: players need to harness their foresight, balancing risk and reward by either banking lower-value draws or potentially forfeiting crucial cards if they’re unable to predict the next draw accurately.
This set also marks the introduction of new franchises into Lorcana’s ever-expanding universe. Fans of classic ’90s animation will be thrilled to welcome figures from Disney’s “Gargoyles.” Notable among them is Demona, whose entry onto the board disrupts opponents, exerting every character they’ve played. Alongside her stand other iconic clan figures like Coldstone, Bronx, and two versions of the stalwart Goliath.
In a foray into darker, more mystical tales, “The Black Cauldron” steps into the spotlight, bringing a unique twist to the gameplay. The eponymous cauldron serves as more than a mere prop; it’s a pivotal item that lets players reanimate characters strategically housed beneath it from the discard pile. With the likes of The Horned King depicted in various nefarious guises, this set creates exciting new possibilities for deck-building enthusiasts keen on exploring reanimation as a winning strategy.
As with previous sets, this release maintains a robust offering with a base set of 204 cards, supplemented by 18 Enchanted, 18 Epic, and 2 Iconic cards, culminating in a total of 242 individual cards. The competition to collect is already heating up, especially for the Iconic duo—Hades and Ariel. Each offers their own game-altering abilities, pushing players to design their decks around these potent cards. Hades’ power lies in forcing an opponent’s decision-making, while Ariel creates synergies with song-themed cards, rewarding players for their strategic musical acumen.
Beyond the mechanical innovations, “Whispers in the Well” threads a narrative of mystery and discovery throughout its artistry and design. The tagline “Light Your Path” hints at a journey as much about self-discovery and strategic foresight as it is about in-game victories. Artwork in the set evokes a noir-like vibe, where sharp-eyed involvement becomes key, inviting players to unmask truths hidden in plain sight. Beloved detective Judy Hopps takes a starring role, one of the few who hold the key to the Well’s deepest secrets.
This combination of new mechanics, beloved storylines, and whimsical intrigue propels Lorcana’s tenth set into a territory that is masterfully complex yet delightfully accessible. Whether you’re a veteran strategically outmaneuvering your opponents, a collector eager to complete another series, or a newcomer drawn by the allure of discovery and enchanting stories, “Whispers in the Well” promises an adventure for everyone. As the Well opens and secrets spill, fans can look forward to a spellbinding journey that melds mystery with the marvels of Disney’s magical realm.
