Cerberus (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cerberus is a board game released in 2018 and designed by Pierre Buty. The game is published by La Boîte de Jeu and falls under the adventure, mythology, and negotiation categories. With a playing time of 30-45 minutes, Cerberus is suitable for 3-7 players aged 10 and above. The game features hand management, modular board, and semi-cooperative game mechanics.

Game Components of Cerberus

5 double-sided boards

1 Cerberus pawn

7 Adventurer pawns

28 Action cards

28 Survival cards

18 Betrayal cards

7 Player Aid cards

1 Speed die (numbered 3 – 8)

3 Barque tiles

1 Rope Bridge tile

1 sheet of Masterful Success stickers

Additional components in the expansion include 3 new double-sided boards, 16 Survival cards, 6 Betrayal cards, 7 Treasure cards, 3 Harpy tokens, and 1 Cerberus den token.

How To Setup Cerberus

To set up Cerberus, players begin by building the board, which consists of a start and end section, with two intermediate boards that have varying levels of difficulty indicated by skulls. Each player chooses an Adventurer pawn and places it at the starting point. The Cerberus pawn is positioned at the beginning of the underworld. Players receive a set of Action cards, and the Speed die is set according to the number of players. The barque tiles, which have unknown seating capacities, are placed at the end of the board[3.).

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

Players must cooperate to escape the underworld by reaching the barque before Cerberus catches them.

Only a limited number of players can escape, depending on the barque’s seating capacity.

Players captured by Cerberus switch sides and help Cerberus catch the remaining adventurers.

Gameplay Mechanics

Action Cards: Players use Action cards to move themselves or other players, draw cards, or perform other actions.

Speed Die: Cerberus’s movement is determined by a Speed die, which increases in speed as the game progresses.

Betrayal Mechanics: Players can choose to help each other or betray their companions to secure a spot in the barque.

Variable Player Powers: Players have different abilities when they are on the adventurer’s side versus when they are on Cerberus’s side.

Player Experience

Playing Cerberus is an exhilarating experience that combines cooperation and betrayal. Players must navigate the underworld, avoiding Cerberus while making strategic decisions about when to help their companions and when to betray them. The game’s dynamic nature, with changing board configurations and increasing difficulty, keeps players on their toes. The artwork and thematic elements add to the game’s charm, making it visually appealing and immersive.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The underworld setting and the character of Cerberus create a captivating narrative.

Dynamic Gameplay: The combination of cooperation and betrayal mechanics keeps the game exciting and unpredictable.

Variable Setup: The double-sided boards and random seating capacities of the barque ensure high replayability.

Strategic Depth: Players must balance short-term gains with long-term strategies to win.

Cons

Complexity: The game’s rules and mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Luck Element: The Speed die and card draws introduce a luck factor that can affect gameplay.

Player Count: The game is best with a higher number of players; fewer players may reduce the dynamic interactions.

Personal Thoughts on Cerberus

Cerberus is ideal for players who enjoy semi-cooperative games with a mix of strategy and social interaction. It is perfect for a group of friends looking for a game that challenges their ability to work together while also tempting them to betray each other. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a purely cooperative or competitive experience. The game’s unique mechanics and theme make it a standout in the board game community, but it requires a group willing to engage with its complex and dynamic gameplay.

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