Rum & Bones: Second Tide (2017) Board Game

Rum & Bones: Second Tide is a standalone expansion to the original Rum & Bones game, released in 2017 by CMON Global Limited. Designed by Michael Shinall, this game takes players into a fantasy world of pirate battles on the high seas. Players control unique pirate crews, each with their own special abilities and strategies, in a quest to plunder and conquer their opponents’ ships.

Game Components of Rum & Bones: Second Tide

Game Board: Represents the high seas and the opposing ships.

Hero Miniatures: Players control up to five heroes, each with unique powers and abilities.

Deckhands and Bosuns: AI-controlled crew members that aid in combat.

Skill Cards: Used for leveling up heroes and acquiring new abilities.

Coins (Pieces of Eight): Used to unleash devastating abilities and attacks.

Ship Features: Key components of the opponents’ ship to be destroyed.

How To Setup Rum & Bones: Second Tide

To set up the game, players first select their pirate crew, either the Deep Lords or the Marea de la Muerte. Each player chooses their heroes from five different classes: Captains, Brutes, and three other classes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The game board is then arranged to represent the ships in combat. Heroes are placed on the board, and each player starts with basic attack skill cards. The simple AI-controlled deckhands and bosuns are also positioned according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hero Control: Players control teams of three to five heroes.

Dynamic Leveling System: Heroes level up and acquire new skills using coins obtained from KO’ing enemies and objectives.

Alternating Activation: Players take turns activating one hero or their crew.

Objective: Destroy key features of the opponents’ ship to achieve victory.

Coin Collection: Amass Davy Jones’ mythical pieces of eight to unleash powerful abilities.

Player Experience

In Rum & Bones: Second Tide, players immerse themselves in a pirate-themed battle, managing their crew of heroes and AI-controlled deckhands to outmaneuver and destroy their opponents’ ships. The game offers a dynamic and engaging experience with its unique leveling system and alternating activation mechanics, making each game session unpredictable and exciting.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: The alternating activation and dynamic leveling system keep the game engaging.

Unique Heroes: Each hero has distinct powers and abilities, offering various strategies.

Teamwork: AI-controlled crew members add an extra layer of strategy.

Thematic Immersion: The pirate theme is richly detailed and immersive.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players due to the numerous mechanics and components.

Time Consumption: Games can be lengthy, especially with more players.

Balance Issues: Some players may find certain heroes or crews imbalanced.

Personal Thoughts on Rum & Bones: Second Tide

Rum & Bones: Second Tide is ideal for fans of MOBA-style games and pirate-themed adventures. It is suitable for experienced board game players who enjoy strategic depth and dynamic gameplay. However, new players may find the learning curve steep due to the game’s complexity. Overall, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those who enjoy miniatures board games with a strong focus on strategy and team management.

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