Till the Last Gasp (2023) Board Game

Till the Last Gasp is a two-player board game designed by Arka Tu and published by Darrington Press, set to release in in 2023. The game falls under the category of Fighting games and is recommended for players aged 14 and above. With a runtime of 60 minutes, Till the Last Gasp promises an intense and strategic gaming experience.

Game Components of Till the Last Gasp

40-page rulebook with step-by-step instructions and examples of play

Three pre-made scenarios

2 twenty-sided Duel Dice

20 six-sided Edge Dice

Glossy paper settings

Folding cardboard playmats

Stance cards (Bold, Wary, Quick)

Objective cards

Setting cards with location-specific actions

Tokens

How To Setup Till the Last Gasp

To set up the game, players first select the stakes of the duel, which can range from “To the Defeat” to “Till the Last Gasp.” Each player chooses an Objective card, which lists four objectives to achieve during the duel. Players are dealt 10 Edge Dice and one Duel Die. They then ready 5 of the Edge Dice by placing them in either the Offensive or Defensive pool. The game setting is set up using the glossy paper settings and folding cardboard playmats.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Stances: Players select a starting stance (Bold, Wary, Quick) each round, determining the actions they can perform.

Action Points: Players roll their dice to determine how many action points they have for the round.

Actions: Actions such as striking, changing stance, moving, or destroying parts of the setting cost action points.

Objective Completion: Players aim to complete at least three of their four objectives to gain access to the “End the Duel Decisively” action.

Duel Resolution: The first player to meet the objective criteria and pay the action points for the decisive action narrates the duel’s resolution.

Escalation and De-escalation: Players can agree to escalate or de-escalate the stakes at any point.

Player Experience

**Till the Last Gasp** is more of an RPG than a board game, using board game elements to structure and simplify the mechanics. The game requires think-on-your-feet creativity and imagination, making it a good fit for players who enjoy storytelling and improv. It can serve as a stepping stone for board gamers interested in transitioning to RPGs but may not appeal to those seeking a traditional board game or a full-fledged RPG experience.

Pros

Flexible Settings: Spanning various genres and settings.

Dynamic Storytelling: Encourages creative storytelling and role-playing.

Safety Mechanism: Allows players to escalate or de-escalate the stakes for comfort.

Quick Sessions: Games typically last 4-6 rounds.

Immersive Experience: Combines narrative flashbacks with the duel, creating a rich backstory.

Cons

Niche Audience: May not appeal to players who prefer pure board games or traditional RPGs.

Role-Playing Requirement: Requires players to be comfortable with role-playing, which can be a barrier for some.

Limited Marketing: Received minimal marketing, which might have affected its visibility.

Two-Player Limitation: Designed for only two players, which can be a hard sell for some groups.

Personal Thoughts on Till the Last Gasp

**Till the Last Gasp** is ideal for players who enjoy indie story RPGs and are comfortable with improvisational storytelling. It serves as a unique blend of RPG and board game elements, making it a great option for those looking for a quick, dramatic, and narrative-driven experience. However, it may not resonate with players who prefer more traditional gaming experiences or larger player counts.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.