Rise & Fall (2024) – Board Game Guys

Rise and Fall

Rise and Fall is a board game that has two versions. The first version is called “Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of the barbarian states”, while the second version is a full control strategic game set in a fantasy world. The game is designed by Christophe Boelinger, who is also known for designing Dungeon Twister and Archipelago.

Why is Rise and Fall Popular?

Rise and Fall is a popular game because it offers an immersive and engaging experience. The game is challenging and engaging, and it allows players to control a civilization and expand and progress in a fantasy world. The game is also significant because it is an antique history-themed board game that portrays the fall and rebirth of tribes and the emergence of new settlements.

Game Components of Rise & Fall

6 cardboard trays for each player color and shared components

Terrain tiles (water, plains, forest, mountain, glaciers)

Wooden pieces (villages, citizens, ships, temples, merchants, highlanders)

Player cards (6 action cards per player)

Guild cards (representing asymmetric special powers)

Coins and trophy cards

Score board and cardboard board

Rulebook and packing materials for protection during shipping.

How To Setup Rise & Fall

Setting up Rise & Fall involves constructing the shared landscape using terrain tiles, starting with a water layer followed by plains, forest, mountain, and glaciers. Each player receives a cardboard tray containing their player pieces and a set of 6 action cards. Players choose starting positions for a ship, a city, and a nomad. Optionally, players can draft guild cards for special powers. The setup results in a different map for each game, which is crucial for the game’s strategic play[5%.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Strategic Unit Positioning: Players position units to control territories and seize opportunities.

Territory Control: Blocking key locations on the dynamic map to gain dominance.

Action Card Management: Players hold cards corresponding to unit types and perform actions revealed simultaneously.

Resource Management: Managing money, which converts to victory points (VP).

Guild Cards: Asymmetric special powers available through guild cards.

Turn Order Manipulation: Start player changes based on card availability.

Objective: Score VP through money conversion, trophies, action cards, and map dominance[5%.

Player Experience

Rise & Fall offers an immersive and engaging experience with easy-to-understand mechanics but a challenging learning curve. New players appreciate the game’s accessibility, as all actions are displayed on the six player cards. Veteran players enjoy the intricate action planning and the need to adapt to opponents’ strategies. The game requires efficiency, timing, and correct reading of the board state, making each game unique and dynamic.

Pros

Dynamic Map: Each game features a different world to explore.

No Luck or Randomness: Full control over actions and strategies.

High Player Interaction: Strategic blocking and territory control.

Quick Setup: Simple and straightforward setup process.

Variety of Strategies: Guild cards and action planning offer diverse gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complex Packing: The game comes with many components and requires careful packing to fit everything back into the box.

Solo Mode Issues: The solo mode has been noted to be less satisfying and not fully compatible with stretch goals.

Potential for Early Loss: The game can be lost early if initial moves are not well-planned[5%.

Personal Thoughts on Rise & Fall

Rise & Fall is ideal for players who enjoy positional, blocking, and area majority types of interactions. It is a game about efficiency, timing, and reading the board state correctly. While it may not be for everyone, especially those expecting a traditional civilization-building game, it offers a unique and engaging experience that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability. If you’re looking for a game that requires deep strategic planning and offers high replayability, Rise & Fall is definitely worth considering.

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