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Approaching Dawn: The Witching Hour (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Approaching Dawn: The Witching Hour is a cooperative card game released in 2017, designed by Jhoniel Centeno and Hal Greenberg. The game is set in a fantasy world and is intended for 3 to 6 players, with the ideal number being 3 to 4 players. Players must work together to survive the night and defeat the evil forces that threaten their village.

Game Components of Approaching Dawn: The Witching Hour

  • Board**
  • Rules**
  • Over 200 Cards**
  • Black magic/Corruption Cubes**
  • White magic cubes**
  • Tokens**
  • Gems**
  • Scenario Cards**
  • Witch Mats**
  • Quick Set-up Sheet**

    How To Setup Approaching Dawn: The Witching Hour

    To set up the game, each player selects a witch and places their corresponding witch mat on the table. Each witch starts with a set of initial spells and a familiar or artifact. The scenario cards are drawn to determine the mission or “Scene” for the game. Players also need to prepare the black and white magic cubes, tokens, and gems. The game board is laid out, and the corruption and white magic pools are established. For a detailed setup, refer to the rules and quick set-up sheet provided with the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together as coven members.
  • Blood Binding: Actions taken by one witch affect other members of the coven.
  • Magic Types: Use black magic for powerful attacks and white magic for healing and supporting other players.
  • Corruption: Black magic introduces corruption, which can be healed by white magic.
  • Spell Cards: Players start with initial spells and can gain new spells, familiars, and artifacts throughout the game.
  • Scenario Completion: Each Scene (mission) has a specific goal; completing these Scenes in order forms a story arc.
  • Survival Objective: Survive the onslaught of demons and other enemies by managing corruption and spell usage.

    Player Experience

    In **Approaching Dawn: The Witching Hour**, players are deeply interconnected through the blood binding mechanic, making each player’s actions crucial to the success of the group. This cooperative element fosters a strong sense of teamwork and strategy, as players must balance their own needs with the needs of their coven. The game features a simultaneous spell-casting phase where players decide their actions without table talk, adding an element of surprise and requiring careful planning. This mechanic mitigates the “alpha player” issue often seen in cooperative games, making every player’s contribution vital.

    Pros

  • Deep Cooperative Mechanics: Encourages strong teamwork and strategic planning.
  • Variable Player Powers: Each witch has unique abilities and starting spells.
  • Dual Use Cards: Spells can be cast as either black or white magic, offering versatile gameplay.
  • Story Arc: Completing Scenes in order forms a cohesive narrative.
  • High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and variable player cards ensure different experiences each playthrough.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming due to the number of components.
  • Long Gameplay: The game takes 120 minutes to complete, which may be daunting for some players.
  • Corruption Management: Managing corruption can be challenging and may lead to player elimination if not handled carefully.

    Personal Thoughts on Approaching Dawn: The Witching Hour

    **Approaching Dawn: The Witching Hour** is ideal for fans of cooperative card games and those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the challenge of managing resources and corruption while working together as a team. The game’s design ensures that every player’s actions are integral to the group’s success, making it a great choice for players looking for a cooperative experience that feels truly collaborative. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking quick, light-hearted games due to its complex setup and lengthy gameplay duration.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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