Cursed Empire: Heroes of Thargos (2021) Board Game

Cursed Empire: Heroes of Thargos is a board game released in 2021 by SBG Editions. Designed by Chris Loizou and Bryan Steele, this game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of heroes battling against the forces of darkness in the realm of Thargos. With a mix of bluffing, card play, and deck construction mechanics, Cursed Empire offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience for 1-2 players.

Game Components of Cursed Empire: Heroes of Thargos

Character Cards: 33 unique cards representing key character types.

Mission Cards: 66 cards set in the World of Thargos.

Lasting Cards: 56 cards including Thargos minions, objects, and weapons.

Action Cards: 55 cards comprising Thargos creatures and player-driven events.

Battlemat: An optional component for game setup.

How To Setup Cursed Empire: Heroes of Thargos

To set up the game, each player needs to build a deck comprising 60 cards, with a recommended even distribution of Lasting cards, Mission cards, and Action cards. Players choose four Character cards, each with a specific rank (5-10), which determines the total Victory Points needed to win the game. These characters are assigned to four Mission tracks, where players compete to complete Mission cards. The game includes a clearly laid out rulebook with variants for different player counts and game modes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players build and customize their decks.

Action/Event: Players use Action cards to influence gameplay.

Campaign / Battle Card Driven: Missions are driven by card play.

Card Play Conflict Resolution: Resolve conflicts through card play.

Hand Management: Manage cards to optimize strategy.

Turn Order: Progressive: Turns follow a structured sequence.

Objective: Complete Mission cards to acquire Victory Points. The player who first achieves the required Victory Points, based on their Character cards, wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing **Cursed Empire: Heroes of Thargos** involves strategic card management and tactical decision-making. Players must balance the need to complete missions with the risk of leaving themselves vulnerable to their opponent’s actions. The game features a simple turn structure but rich in strategic depth, making it engaging for players who enjoy card games and tactical battles. Characters can become injured, altering their stats and special effects, adding a layer of complexity and realism to the game.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Rich in strategic options and tactical decisions.

Customizable Decks: Players can build decks to suit their play style.

Variety in Game Modes: Includes variants for different player counts and game modes.

Immersive Theme: Set in the vividly fleshed out world of Thargos.

Easy to Learn: Simple turn structure despite complex gameplay.

Cons

Production Quality: Initial prototype had issues with card design and readability, though improvements were promised for the final version.

Static Characters: Limited opportunities to move Lasting cards or reposition forces.

Steep Learning Curve for Campaign Mode: Requires familiarity with the deck to create custom story campaigns.

Personal Thoughts on Cursed Empire: Heroes of Thargos

**Cursed Empire: Heroes of Thargos** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games and are looking for a game that combines simple turns with deep tactical gameplay. It is particularly suited for fans of deck-building and card drafting mechanics. While it may have some production quality issues in its initial versions, the game’s immersive world and customizable gameplay make it a compelling choice for those who appreciate a blend of strategy and fantasy. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players due to its complex strategies and the need for significant deck management.

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