Bantam West (2023) Board Game

Bantam West is a board game set in the American West during the 19th century. Players take on the role of explorers, settlers, or outlaws seeking adventure, fortune, and glory in the untamed wilderness. Designed by Ike Brunicardi and published by Bantam Planet, this game promises an immersive experience in a historically rich setting.

Game Components of Bantam West

Player Boards: Dual-layer boards for each character.

Miniatures: Gorgeous, washed minis for player characters.

Cards: Linen-finished cards, including weapon cards, combat cards, and endeavor cards.

Tiles: Modular tiles for setting up different terrain such as mountains, wetlands, and town areas.

Tokens: Various tokens for resources, enemies, and game mechanics like grit tokens and skill cubes.

Dice: Dice matching the color of each character.

Character-specific Items: Such as ammo box tokens and ladder tokens depending on the character.

How To Setup Bantam West

To set up Bantam West, start by preparing the town of Gallow Springs. This involves placing the saloon, gunsmith, Rita’s Outpost, and other key locations. Shuffle and place the weapon cards, mount cards, and enemy tokens according to the game mode. For the introductory “Warm Welcome” mode, set up the specific tiles and enemies as indicated, including bandits, pumas, gators, and wolves. Each player selects their character mini and assembles their player board with the necessary components like combat cards, cargo catalog, and endeavor cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

No Game Master: Self-contained system requiring no Game Master.

Player Choice and Narrative: Emphasis on player agency and narrative formation.

Character Perspective: Interactions from the character’s point of view.

Modular and Custom Experiences: Customizable game modes using modular components.

Objective: Players aim to accumulate notoriety points and achieve their private goals to win the game.

Player Experience

Bantam West offers a sandbox experience with extensive player interaction and strategic planning. Players can choose from diverse character roles, each with unique pathways to victory. The game’s open-ended nature ensures each playthrough is new and exciting. However, the game has a notable learning curve, and the rulebook could be more user-friendly. The solo mode requires further refinement to match the richness of the multiplayer experience.

Pros

Immersive Setting: Richly detailed wild frontier setting with stunning artwork.

Strategic Depth: Deep character roles and strategic possibilities.

High-Quality Components: Upgraded components such as linen-finished cards and dual-layer player boards.

Customizable: Modular mechanics allow for custom game modes.

Engaging Gameplay: Combines elements of TTRPGs, stealth games, fighting games, and exploration games.

Cons

Complexity: Introductory scenario may feel lacking, and the rulebook needs clearer explanations.

Balance Issues: Easy scoring can make the game feel broken, requiring further playtesting for balance.

Solo Mode: Needs refinement to match the multiplayer experience.

Personal Thoughts on Bantam West

Bantam West is ideal for fans of strategic and immersive board games who enjoy sandbox experiences and deep character customization. While it has some balance issues and a steep learning curve, the game’s unique mechanics, stunning artwork, and thematic depth make it a standout title. It is particularly suited for players looking for a game that combines elements of role-playing, strategy, and exploration without the need for a Game Master. However, those seeking a quick, simple game might find Bantam West overwhelming due to its complexity and the need for extensive setup and learning.

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