Aeon’s End: War Eternal (2017) Board Game

Aeon’s End: War Eternal is a standalone cooperative deck-building game that acts as a sequel to the original Aeon’s End game. It was released in 2017 by Action Phase Games and designed by Jenny Iglesias, Nick Little, and Kevin Riley. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the roles of breach mages defending their city against The Nameless, an otherworldly force.

Game Components of Aeon’s End: War Eternal

Cards: Includes player cards, nemesis cards, and various gems and relics.

Boards: Character boards for players and nemesis boards for the enemies.

Counters: For tracking health, gems, and other game metrics.

Turn Order Cards: To simulate the chaos of battle with variable player order.

Update Pack: Available to enhance the original Aeon’s End game with improved card design and readability.

How To Setup Aeon’s End: War Eternal

To set up the game, players first choose their mage characters and their respective boards. Each player starts with a basic deck of cards. The nemesis, which varies each game, is selected and its board is set up according to the specific nemesis’s rules. Players then shuffle their starting decks and draw a starting hand. The game’s turn order is determined by the turn order cards, which add a layer of unpredictability to the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Game: Players work together to defeat the nemesis.

Deck-Building: Players buy gems to acquire better cards for their decks.

Card Drafting: Players select cards to add to their decks.

Hand Management: Managing cards in hand is crucial for strategic play.

Variable Player Powers: Each mage has unique abilities.

Variable Phase Order: The turn order changes each round, simulating the chaos of battle.

Objective: The goal is to defeat the nemesis by reducing its health to zero while managing the players’ health and resources.

Player Experience

Playing Aeon’s End: War Eternal is an engaging and strategic experience. Initially, players focus on building their individual decks, but as the game progresses, teamwork becomes essential. Players must discuss and coordinate their actions to overcome the challenges posed by the nemesis. The game’s final stages can be particularly intense, as every decision is critical to winning. The variable player order and unique nemesis abilities ensure each game is different, providing high replayability.

Pros

High Replayability: Unique nemesis and variable turn order ensure different games each time.

Strong Cooperative Mechanics: Encourages teamwork and strategic discussion.

Improved Components: The update pack enhances the game’s components for better readability and usability.

Solo Play: The game works well for solo players, allowing them to learn and enjoy the game on their own.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a learning curve, especially for new players.

Rulebook Organization: Solo rules are sometimes hard to find, as they are often placed at the back of the rulebook.

Personal Thoughts on Aeon’s End: War Eternal

Aeon’s End: War Eternal is ideal for fans of cooperative games and deck-building mechanics. It is particularly suited for experienced gamers who enjoy strategic gameplay and teamwork. The game’s unique features, such as the variable turn order and diverse nemesis abilities, make it a standout in its genre. However, it may not be the best choice for new gamers due to its complexity. Overall, it is a great addition to any collection for those who enjoy challenging and dynamic cooperative experiences.

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