Court of the Dead: Mourners Call (2019) Board Game

Court of the Dead: Mourners Call is a board game based on the popular Court of the Dead franchise created by Sideshow Collectibles. The game was released in 2019 and is designed for 2-5 players, with a runtime of approximately 90 minutes. The game is set in the dark and fantastical Underworld of the Court of the Dead, where players take on the roles of mourners vying for control and influence over the realm.

Game Components of Court of the Dead: Mourners Call

Figures: 70 highly-detailed figures.

Cards: 115 premium cards, including Mourner Cards, Wallows Cards, Court Cards, and Objective Cards.

Gameboard: 24″ x 36″ custom illustrated gameboard with UV spot gloss.

Player Boards: 5 double-layered player boards with custom indents.

Tokens and Coins: 90+ metal game tokens, coins, and player markers, including faction tokens, unity tokens, and a Dreadsbane token.

Dice: 5 custom marble dice with United Underworld logos.

Etherea Pieces: 60 etherea pieces.

Figure Base Rings: 50 figure base rings.

Trackers and Tracker Pieces: Including skull tracker pieces.

Rulebook: Detailed rules for setup and gameplay.

How To Setup Court of the Dead: Mourners Call

Setting up the game involves several steps. Players start by placing the large game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a Mourner and receives a player board, along with an ulterior motive card that represents their secret objective. The main deck of Court Cards is shuffled, and each player draws a starting hand. Wallows Cards and other resources are distributed according to the rules. The Etherea tokens and faction tokens are also prepared for distribution during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Etherea Distribution: The first player rolls dice to determine the total amount of Etherea, then divides it using an “I split, you choose” mechanic.

Wallows Cards: Quest cards that can be completed to gain Faction points, bonuses, or Etherea.

Court Card Drafting: Players draft action cards, similar to other card drafting mechanisms.

Action Phase: Players play action cards, recruit figures, place figures at locations, or activate specific powers.

Resolve Dreadsgrip Threat: Players manage the Dreadsgrip meter to avoid penalties.

Objective: The player who gains the most Faction Points and achieves their ulterior motive wins the game.

Player Experience

In **Court of the Dead: Mourners Call**, players operate as Mourners in a semi-competitive manner, aiming to elude the Celestial Realm and gain power from various locations in the Underworld. The game is divided into indefinite rounds, each consisting of eight phases. Players must balance cooperative needs with their own ulterior motives, making strategic decisions to recruit figures, complete quests, and manage resources. The game is best played with 3 or 4 players, taking around 90 minutes per session.

Pros

Wonderful Art and Table Presentation: The game features highly detailed figures, a large illustrated gameboard, and premium cards.

Interesting Mechanics: Incorporates various mechanisms like card drafting and resource management.

Thematic Immersion: For fans of the Court of the Dead theme, the game offers a rich and immersive experience.

Cons

Unbalanced Faction Abilities: Differences in faction abilities can lead to unbalanced gameplay.

Random Elements: The random generation of Etherea and Wallows Cards can sometimes feel irrelevant or unimpactful.

Complexity: The game has multiple tracks and mechanisms, which can be overwhelming for some players.

Theme Integration: While the theme is beautifully executed, it may not be deeply integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Court of the Dead: Mourners Call

**Court of the Dead: Mourners Call** is ideal for fans of the Court of the Dead universe and those who enjoy strategic, semi-competitive board games. While it offers a visually stunning and thematically rich experience, it may not be the best fit for players seeking deeply integrated mechanics or a more balanced gameplay experience. For those willing to invest time in understanding the complex rules and appreciating the theme, this game can provide an engaging and challenging experience. However, it may not satisfy gamers looking for a game with flawless mechanics and high replayability.

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