Rise & Fall (2024) Board Game

Rise & Fall is a fantasy territory building board game designed by Dogan Oztel, Sabrina Tobal, and Dave Youkovich. It was released in 2024 and is suitable for 2-4 players aged 14 and above. The game features area majority/influence, deck building, simultaneous action selection, and pool building mechanics.

Game Components of Rise & Fall

Civilisation cards: Six large action cards per player, representing different unit types.

Player pieces: Cardboard trays containing units like ships, cities, and nomads.

Guild cards: Optional cards providing asymmetric special powers.

Trophy board: For tracking trophies and inactive cards.

Map tiles: Creating a unique world for each game.

How To Setup Rise & Fall

Setup involves giving each player a cardboard tray with their pieces and a set of six Civilisation cards. Players choose starting positions for a ship, a city, and a nomad. Optionally, players can draft guild cards for special powers. There are no starting resources or money.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Strategic Unit Placement: Players position units to optimize actions and resources.

Territory Control: Dominance over regions of the same terrain type is crucial for scoring points.

Opportunity Seizing: Utilize action cards to perform multiple actions per unit type.

Guild Cards: Asymmetric powers that can significantly impact gameplay.

Trophy System: Building certain units earns trophies, which are worth points but also limit unit activation.

Resource Management: Money is converted to victory points (VP), and managing it is key.

Objective: Score the most VP through territory dominance, trophies, and efficient resource use.

Player Experience

**Rise & Fall** is easy to understand but hard to master, with no luck or randomness involved. New players appreciate its accessibility, as all actions and units are displayed on the Civilisation cards, allowing them to learn as they go. Veteran players enjoy the intricate action planning and the need to adapt to opponents’ strategies. The game requires efficiency, timing, and a deep understanding of the board state.

Pros

High Replayability: Each game features a unique world to explore.

Deep Strategy: Intricate action planning and adaptation are required.

Asymmetric Powers: Guild cards add a layer of complexity and diversity.

Engaging Gameplay: Players must optimize their strategies and respond to opponents.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for some players due to the numerous strategies and adaptations.

Risk of Early Game Over: Poor initial moves can significantly disadvantage a player.

Auto-Mechanism Issues: The automa function is not consistently reliable and lacks solo-compatible stretch goals.

Personal Thoughts on Rise & Fall

**Rise & Fall** is ideal for players who enjoy positional, blocking, and area majority types of interactions. It’s a game about efficiency, timing, and reading the board state correctly. If you’re okay with the possibility of losing the game halfway through due to strategic mistakes, this game offers a unique and engaging experience that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a traditional civilization-building game or a straightforward engine-building experience.

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