For What Remains: Blood on the Rails (2020) Board Game

For What Remains: Blood on the Rails is a science fiction wargame released in in 2020. It is designed by Rick Hershey and David Thompson, with artwork by Dan Verssen Games (DVG). The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must strategically navigate through a modular board and use a chit-pull system to outmaneuver their opponents.

Game Components of For What Remains: Blood on the Rails

Factions: Includes two factions – ECHO, a paramilitary group with telekinetic powers, and the Soldiers of Light (SoL), a group of religious fanatics using trained beasts in combat.

Units: Each faction has multiple unit types with unique stats and abilities, such as movement, attack range, and special powers.

Chit System: Each unit is represented by three chips used for activation during the game.

Campaign Booklet: Comes with a 5-mission campaign that can be played independently or linked with other campaigns from the trilogy.

Counters and Artwork: Includes detailed counters and artwork reflecting the sci-fi and post-apocalyptic setting.

How To Setup For What Remains: Blood on the Rails

Setup involves choosing your army within the points budget allocated for the game. Players must select units from their faction, considering their stats, abilities, and unit levels. The more powerful the unit, the more points it costs. After selecting units, players secretly choose five chips for each unit and add them to the draw bag. This setup ensures a diversified army and prepares the game for dynamic activation mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Chit-Pull Activation System: Units are activated by drawing chips from a bag, introducing an element of unpredictability and strategic planning.

Asymmetric Factions: Factions have distinctly different playstyles, with ECHO favoring ranged attacks and SoL focusing on close combat.

Points System: Ensures army diversity by limiting the total points available for unit selection.

Campaign Structure: Five linked scenarios that influence each other, creating a cohesive and dynamic campaign experience.

Objective: Typically involves completing specific missions or objectives while managing unit activations and resources effectively.

Player Experience

Playing **For What Remains: Blood on the Rails** is a quick and engaging experience, with games moving at a fast clip due to streamlined rules and the unique chit-pull activation system. The game requires strategic planning, especially in unit selection and chip management, which adds depth without overwhelming complexity. The asymmetric factions and varied unit abilities ensure each game is different, making it a great introduction to skirmish games.

Pros

Quick Setup and Play: Games are fast to set up and play, making it an excellent choice for a quick gaming session.

Unique Factions and Units: Asymmetric factions with distinct playstyles and unique unit abilities enhance the game’s replayability and depth.

Chit-Pull Activation System: Provides rich and interesting decisions, adding unpredictability and strategy to the game.

Streamlined Rules: Easy to learn, with complexity arising from faction and unit interactions rather than rule overhead.

Cons

Rulebook Organization: Some players have found the rulebook to be poorly organized, making it difficult to find specific rules during gameplay[2″.

Need for Additional Boxes: To fully expand the game experience, additional boxes from the trilogy are needed.

Personal Thoughts on For What Remains: Blood on the Rails

**For What Remains: Blood on the Rails** is ideal for fans of skirmish games and those looking for a fast-paced, strategic gaming experience. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy tactical planning and managing unique units with special abilities. The game’s design by David Thompson ensures a balance between luck and strategic decision-making, making it a great addition to any board game collection. It is a perfect game for both new and experienced players, offering a compelling introduction to the world of skirmish games.

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