Contra: The Board Game (2022) Board Game

Contra: The Board Game is a tabletop adaptation of the classic 1987 video game Contra, known for its fast-paced action and side-scrolling shoot ’em up gameplay. The board game version was released in 2022 by Blacklist Games and Kess Co., aiming to capture the essence of the original video game in a cooperative board game experience.

Game Components of Contra: The Board Game

Commando Decks: Four unique decks representing different qualified soldiers.

Enemy Decks: Four decks, each led by a deadly boss.

Stage Decks: Four hostile environment decks to traverse.

Cards: For gaining advantages, acquiring special weapons, and completing objectives.

Dice: Used for resolving actions and combat.

How To Setup Contra: The Board Game

To set up the game, players choose a commando deck, an enemy deck, and a stage deck. Each deck is combined to create a unique game experience. Players shuffle the chosen decks and draw starting hands according to the game’s rules. The stage deck sets up the environment, and the enemy deck determines the enemies and boss the players will face.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to survive and complete objectives.

Card Driven: Use cards to gain advantages and acquire special weapons.

Dice Rolling: Resolve actions and combat using dice.

Objective Completion: Complete objectives to weaken enemy defenses.

Boss Battles: Defeat the deadly boss to progress through the mission.

Player Experience

Playing **Contra: The Board Game** immerses players in a dynamic and challenging environment. Each game is unique due to the combination of different decks, offering a fresh experience every time. Players must strategize and work together to overcome the hostile stages and defeat the enemies, making it a thrilling cooperative adventure.

Pros

High Replayability: Different deck combinations ensure a unique game each time.

Cooperative Action: Encourages teamwork and strategy among players.

Faithful to the Source: Stays true to the spirit of the Contra video game series.

Variable Difficulty: Adjustable difficulty through different enemy and stage decks.

Cons

Complex Setup: Combining multiple decks can be time-consuming.

High Learning Curve: Understanding the various card and dice mechanics can take time.

Dependence on Luck: Dice rolls and card draws can introduce elements of luck that may not always favor the players.

Personal Thoughts on Contra: The Board Game

**Contra: The Board Game** is ideal for fans of cooperative board games and those who enjoy strategy and action. It is particularly suited for players who are familiar with the Contra video game series, but its engaging gameplay mechanics make it accessible to new players as well. However, due to its complexity and learning curve, it might not be the best choice for casual or novice board game enthusiasts.

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