while individual cards may have a bit more rules text to parse, the overall gameplay remains plenty approachable for those looking for a simpler alternative to the likes of Magic: The Gathering
if a player exhausts their deck and is unable to draw a card when they need to (for example, at the start of their turn), they lose
Minnie's Bodyguard ability allows her to enter the battle exerted, and opposing characters who challenge one of yours will target a character with Bodyguard instead
If you use Terra as your commander, you have access to constant reanimation but only for creatures of a certain mana value (and Celes can only set up your graveyard)
This versatile trick excels in combat, especially when boosting valiant or double-striking Mice, but also pulls double duty as a source of card advantage, digging for lands or removal as needed
I think Phoenix Down leans towards the latter