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Android: Mainframe (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Android: Mainframe is a board game released in 2016 by Fantasy Flight Games. It is set in the dystopian future of the Android universe, where players take on the roles of cyber criminals trying to secure valuable data within the mainframe.

Game Components of Android: Mainframe

  • Game board: Representing Titan’s servers
  • Access point tokens: For each player
  • Partition tokens: To secure nodes
  • Program cards: Generic and signature programs
  • Runner identity cards: Six unique cybercriminal identities
  • Node tiles: Over 90 partitions
  • Rulebook**

    How To Setup Android: Mainframe

    To set up the game, players first choose or randomly assign one of the six runner identities, each with a unique suite of programs. Each player starts by placing their first access point token on an unsecured node on the board. The program cards, both generic and signature, are shuffled and distributed according to the player’s chosen identity.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Actions: Establish access points, execute programs, or pass.
  • Program Execution: Use generic or signature programs to create pathways, disrupt opponents, or secure nodes.
  • Node Control: Secure nodes by creating partitions to lock down access points.
  • Scoring: Score riches from secured nodes at the end of the game.
  • Game End: The game ends when all players pass, and the richest runner wins.

    Player Experience

    In Android: Mainframe, players immerse themselves in a world of cybercrime, competing to control nodes within Titan’s servers. The game demands strategic thinking and adaptability, as players must quickly execute programs to secure their access points while disrupting their opponents. Each game is unique due to the variety of programs and runner identities, offering a different experience with each play.

    Pros

  • Fast-paced gameplay: Games typically last less than half an hour.
  • High replayability: Over 90 partitions and 75 programs ensure varied gameplay.
  • Unique runner identities: Six distinct approaches to the game.
  • Easy to learn, hard to master: Simple rules but deep strategy.

    Cons

  • Limited depth for some players: May feel too light or simplistic for experienced gamers.
  • High reliance on strategy: Requires constant planning and adaptation.
  • Potential for Veteran’s Advantage: Experienced players may have an edge due to familiarity with strategies.

    Personal Thoughts on Android: Mainframe

    Android: Mainframe is ideal for players who enjoy competitive, strategic games with a cyberpunk theme. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate fast-paced gameplay and the challenge of outmaneuvering opponents. While it may not offer the depth some veteran gamers seek, it provides an engaging and dynamic experience for those looking for a quick, thrilling game of cyberdomination.

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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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