Bad Company (2021) Board Game

Bad Company is a board game released in 2021 by Aporta Games. It is designed by Kenneth Minde, Kristian Amundsen Østby, and Eilif Svensson, with artwork by Gjermund Bohne. The game falls under the category of area majority/influence, contracts, dice rolling, and random production re-rolling and locking. It is designed for 1-6 players, with the best experience for 3-4 players, and has a runtime of approximately 30 minutes. The game is suitable for ages 8 and up and has a theme revolving around mystery and crime.

Game Components of Bad Company

Player Boards: Each player has a random board representing their gang, with gang members marked by an ascending set of pips from two six-sided dice (3 to 11).

Dice: The game utilizes two six-sided dice for various actions and upgrades.

Main Board: Depicts the city where players’ cars race towards the exit, with a police car in pursuit.

Upgrade Board: Allows players to upgrade their gang members and tools.

Heist Cards: Cards that players must complete to earn resources and points.

Loot Cards: Special bonus cards that can enhance gameplay.

How To Setup Bad Company

To set up the game, each player selects a random player board representing their gang. The main board and upgrade board are placed in the middle of the playing area. Players start with basic gang members and tools. The dice and heist cards are prepared according to the rules. The game is ready to start once all players have their initial setup and the first player is determined.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Engine Building: Players roll two six-sided dice and split them into two pairs. Each player can activate the numbers on their board based on these dice rolls.

Resource Management: Players manage resources to upgrade their gang members and complete heists.

Racing Mechanic: Players must navigate their cars through the city, avoiding the police to escape.

Objective: The goal is to become the most notorious criminal gang by completing heists, upgrading gang members, and earning the most points.

Player Experience

In **Bad Company**, players are actively engaged on every turn, making decisions based on the dice rolls. The game encourages strategic thinking and adaptability as players upgrade their gang and complete heists. The dynamic nature of the game, with multiple players acting on each turn, creates an exciting and fast-paced experience. Players can recall memorable moments like rivalries, tight escapes, and strategic heists, making the game highly immersive and story-driven.

Pros

High Player Engagement: Minimal downtime ensures all players are active on every turn.

Strategic Depth: Players need to strategize based on dice rolls and resource management.

Replayability: Random player boards and heist cards offer varied experiences.

Easy to Learn: The rule set can be taught in about five minutes.

Cons

Component Distinction: It can be challenging to distinguish between players’ components, especially in larger games.

Personal Thoughts on Bad Company

**Bad Company** is ideal for players who enjoy dice engine-building games with a twist of strategy and teamwork. It is a solid choice for those who like fast-paced, interactive games with a fun, thematic setting. While it might be too light for some experienced gamers, it is a great addition to any gaming collection for its unique blend of mechanics and engaging gameplay. If you’re looking for a game that combines elements of games like Space Base but with a more dynamic and thematic approach, **Bad Company** is definitely worth checking out.

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