Noxford (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Noxford is a city-building board game designed by Maud Chalmel and released in in 2016. The game is best played with 2-4 players and has a runtime of 20-40 minutes. The objective of the game is to build the best city by strategically placing tiles, managing your hand, and competing for control of different areas.

Game Components of Noxford

40 Syndicate cards: 10 per player, including 1 Master, 2 Lieutenants, 3 Toughs, and 4 Punks.

15 Neutral cards: 12 Rich Districts and 3 Barracks.

Clockwork cards for moving and reshaping the city.

How To Setup Noxford

To set up Noxford, begin by laying out two neutral cards in an L shape to form the initial city. The remaining cards are shuffled into a draw deck, with three cards set out in a drafting display. Each player places their Master card in front of them and draws three other gang member cards to form their starting hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players place syndicate cards adjacent to existing cards, building the city.

Area Majority: Control districts with your gang members.

Card Placement Rules: Cards must be played adjacent to two other cards on different sides. Stronger cards can replace weaker ones.

Clockwork Mechanics: Special cards allow moving and reshaping the city.

Barracks Neutralization: Barracks cards neutralize adjacent syndicate cards.

Game End: The game ends when a player runs out of cards.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on controlled districts, with bonus points for districts matching the player’s favored field.

Player Experience

Noxford is a compact and portable game that packs a punch despite its filler category. It is known for its tense and tactical gameplay, requiring precise timing and strategic placement of cards. The game involves a constant tug-of-war for district control, with players needing to balance positioning their own resources and sabotaging their opponents. The suspense is heightened by the uncertainty of card availability and the looming presence of police barracks. While it can be played with 2-4 players, the game is particularly intense with two players.

Pros

Simple and Compact: Easy to carry and set up.

Anxious and Tense Filler: Offers a high level of strategic depth and tension.

Great Interaction: Encourages direct competition and sabotage.

Portable: Uses little table space and plays in under 20 minutes.

Cons

Interaction May Be Too Sharp: Some players may find the level of competition too intense.

Card Placement Rules Initially Unintuitive: May require a few rounds to fully understand.

Last Player Advantage: The player who goes last can have a significant advantage, especially if they conserve a gear card for the final move.

Personal Thoughts on Noxford

Noxford is ideal for players who enjoy strategic, fast-paced games with a high level of interaction and competition. It is perfect for those looking for a filler game that offers more than just casual, laid-back play. The steampunk theme and the need for tactical maneuvering make it appealing to fans of area control and card placement games. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a relaxed, light-hearted gaming experience due to its tense and competitive nature.

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