Avatar The Last Airbender: Fire Nation Rising is a strategic card and dice game from The Op, with lots of fan service for the titular animated series. It supports co-op for 1-5 players, who must recruit teammates, defeat villains, and complete tracked challenges to survive The Day of Black Sun and win three decisive battles.

The point of this officially licensed game is to carefully play the odds. Every action is determined by rolling dice, and then “assigning” them. So, a lot of the game is based on luck, which can be disappointing for some. It technically adds replay value, and makes the game more accessible for younger players, but it also decreases your control. 

This is partly balanced out by Pai Sho tokens, which players can hold onto and trade. Also, it’s crucial to prioritize objectives on the Black Sun track, and figuring out how to advance together is fun. There are plenty of tracks to choose from to shake up your difficulty level.

There have been multiple “Rising” games from The Op, all of which are nearly identical and simply have differing IP themes. So, it’s hardly innovative. You’re likely purchasing this game because you are also a massive fan of the show. Fortunately, fans will definitely be pleased with the variety of characters and fan service.

The abilities for each character demonstrate a clear understanding of their animated counterpart. The role their skills play is perfectly aligned with their characterization on the series. Also, there are some deep cut references in this game. There aren’t many options for a tabletop experience with this IP, so the effort is much appreciated.

The components are of decent quality, particularly the miniature of Fire Lord Ozai. It’s definitely imposing, and more finely detailed than it appears online. Every component feels superior to previous Rising games, though the cards are a little flimsy.

Final Thoughts

Fire Nation Rising is a playful game that smartly adopts its IP, and then heavily relies on it. The mechanics are simple and family friendly. The game succeeds more as a satisfying little celebration of the show, rather than a sprawling adventure itself.

Score: 7/10