On the Edge is a collectible card game that was released in in 1994. It was designed by Janet Aulisio, Jeff Barber, Brian Booker, and Kevin Davies, and published by Atlas Games. The game is set in a dark fantasy world where players take on the role of powerful factions vying for control.
Game Components of On the Edge
Starter Decks: Contain 60 randomized cards and a rulesheet in a cardboard tuckbox.Booster Packs: Made up of 10 randomized cards in a foil sleeve.Limited Version: Released in October 1994, contains 269 cards with gold-lettered card titles.Unlimited Version: Contains 269 cards with yellow-lettered card titles, released after the Limited Version.Standard Version: Released in February 1995, contains 270 cards including the unique card “Resounding Bell” and yellow-lettered card titles.The Cut-Ups Project Expansion: Adds 90 new cards, including talking dogs, diabolical beverages, and creatures that fall from the sky.Surviving On the Edge Book: Provides tips, strategy, errata, card lists, and rule variations.
How To Setup On the Edge
To set up the game, players start by shuffling their deck and cutting the deck of the player to their right. Each player then deals themselves a hand of ten cards from the top of their deck. Players sit around a table, with teammates sitting opposite each other if playing in teams. The game requires each player to have a deck of at least 40 cards.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Objective: The goal is to accumulate enough Influence to gain secret control of Al Amarja.Influence Points: The amount needed to win varies by the number of players or teams (e.g., 24 points for 2 players, 16 points for 3 players).Card Types:Resources: Represent contacts in communities or sub-cultures, providing Pull to call other cards.Characters: Represent people in your Conspiracy, some providing Pull and generating Influence.Equipment and Effects: Include cards for magical, psychic effects, and weird science.Turn Structure: Players take turns in a clockwise direction, with each round involving each player taking one turn.Winning Condition: A player or team must begin a turn with sufficient Influence to win.
Player Experience
Playing On the Edge involves strategic card management and a deep dive into the intricate world of Al Amarja. Players must balance the use of Resources, Characters, and other card types to build their Conspiracy and accumulate Influence. The game encourages trading cards and sharing strategies with other players to fully understand the complex interactions between different cards and factions.
Pros
Rich Game World: The setting of Al Amarja offers a unique and complex environment.Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and card management.Community Engagement: Encourages trading and strategy sharing among players.Variety of Expansions: Adds new layers of complexity and excitement with each expansion.
Cons
Out of Print: The game is no longer in production, making it hard to find new sets.Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate mechanics.Limited Availability of Expansions: Some expansions, like “Wetworks,” were never released.
Personal Thoughts on On the Edge
On the Edge is ideal for players who enjoy deep, strategic collectible card games with a rich narrative backdrop. It is particularly suited for those familiar with complex card game mechanics and who are willing to invest time in understanding the game’s unique world and rules. Despite being out of print, it remains a fascinating and challenging game for enthusiasts of the genre.
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