Stronghold: Undead (Second Edition) (2021) Board Game

Stronghold: Undead (Second Edition) is a standalone game in the Stronghold series, published by Portal Games. It is a reimplementation of the original Stronghold: Undead, with updated components and rules. The game is designed for 2 players, where one player takes on the role of the defending humans, and the other controls the invading undead forces. With a mix of fantasy, fighting, horror, and medieval themes, Stronghold: Undead offers a unique and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Stronghold: Undead

New Board: Features new paths to siege the castle and different areas for the human and undead sides.

Card Decks: Defender has Cannon, Crossbow, and Panic decks. The Invader has spell cards (green, red, and blue).

Units and Tiles: Includes various units for both sides, tiles for spell effects, and hourglasses for action points.

Player Aids: Detailed player aids to guide through the round structure.

Mana and Hourglasses: Mana for the Invader’s spells and hourglasses for the Defender’s actions.

How To Setup Stronghold: Undead

To set up *Stronghold: Undead*, begin by placing the new board in the middle of the playing area. The Defender sets up their stronghold, dividing it into 7 different areas, while the Invader prepares their area outside the walls. The Defender shuffles and places their Cannon, Crossbow, and Panic decks within reach. The Invader randomly selects spell cards and places them in their spellbook. Each player receives their respective starting resources, such as Mana for the Invader and hourglasses for the Defender.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Phases:

Supplies: Invader gains Mana, Defender receives hourglasses.

Spells: Invader casts spells using Mana, Defender gains hourglasses based on Mana spent.

Maneuvers: Invader moves units towards the stronghold.

Assault: Ranged and melee combat phases.

Cleanup: Reset and prepare for the next round.

Game Objective:
– The Invader aims to breach the stronghold within 8 rounds to capture a powerful artifact and regain the Necromancer’s powers.
– The Defender must maintain the stronghold’s walls and prevent the Invader from breaching them within the 8 rounds.

Player Experience

*Stronghold: Undead* offers a complex and engaging gameplay experience, particularly suited for those who enjoy asymmetrical games. The core loop involves a tight back-and-forth between the attacker and defender, with every decision having significant consequences. The game requires careful resource management and strategic planning, as the Invader’s limited Mana and the Defender’s hourglasses create a dynamic where each action influences the opponent’s opportunities.

Pros

Meaningful Decisions: Every action has a direct impact on the game’s outcome.

Asymmetrical Gameplay: Unique roles for the Invader and Defender provide a rich and varied experience.

Engaging Core Mechanics: The interplay between Mana and hourglasses keeps the game tense and strategic.

Replay Value: Variable spell cards for the Invader ensure different gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complex Rules: The rulebook can leave some questions unanswered, requiring online research or judgment calls.

Board Readability: The board’s artwork, while thematic, can be hard to read, especially when cluttered with units and tiles.

Mechanics Locked Behind Exclusivity: Some gameplay mechanics are exclusive to the Kickstarter edition.

Personal Thoughts on Stronghold: Undead

*Stronghold: Undead* is ideal for fans of asymmetrical and strategic games, particularly those who enjoy resource optimization and tactical planning. While it has some flaws, such as rule ambiguity and board readability issues, it offers a deeply engaging and thinky gameplay experience. This game is not for casual players due to its complexity, but for those willing to invest time and effort, it provides a rich and rewarding experience. If you’re looking for a challenging 2-player game with significant replay value, *Stronghold: Undead* is definitely worth considering.

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