Fast Forward: FORTRESS (2017) Board Game

Fast Forward: FORTRESS is a card game designed by Friedemann Friese and published by 2F-Spiele in in 2017. It is a part of the Fast Forward series, which is known for its innovative gameplay and quick setup.

Game Components of Fast Forward: FORTRESS

A deck of 90 cards

No rulebook (rules are embedded within the card deck)

No additional components like tokens or boards, just the card deck.

How To Setup Fast Forward: FORTRESS

To set up the game, simply shuffle the deck of 90 cards and deal none to the players. The game begins with each player drawing a card from the deck. The rules and gameplay mechanics are discovered as players progress through the deck, eliminating the need for a separate rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bluffing and Hand Management: Players must manage their hand to either draw cards or attempt to take over a fortress.

Card Play: To take over a fortress, a player must play a set of cards with the same number. The value is calculated as the face value of the cards multiplied by the number of cards played.

Fortress Capture: If an attacker wins, they take the fortress, place their attackers face-down under it, and take one of the defenders’ cards. If the defender wins, the attacker returns their cards and gives a card to the defender.

Game End: The game concludes when three hourglasses are drawn from the deck. The player controlling the fortress at this point wins.

Player Experience

Playing Fast Forward: FORTRESS involves a mix of strategy and bluffing. As players progress through the deck, new cards introduce twists and challenges, making the game dynamic and unpredictable. The hidden information and changing deck composition add a layer of complexity, requiring players to adapt their strategies continuously. The game is particularly engaging in its later stages, where the availability of certain numbers becomes uncertain, heightening the bluffing element.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: New cards and rules are introduced as the game progresses, keeping the game fresh and challenging.

Bluffing and Strategy: The game rewards strategic thinking and effective bluffing.

Portable: The game is easy to carry, consisting only of a deck of cards.

Resettable: The game can be reset by simply reordering the deck, making it ready for new players or a new game session.

Cons

Initial Confusion: The absence of a rulebook can lead to initial confusion, especially for new players.

Dependency on Deck Composition: The game’s enjoyment can vary based on the cards drawn, which may lead to imbalanced gameplay in some sessions.

Complexity for New Players: While the base mechanics are simple, the evolving rules and card interactions can be overwhelming for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Fast Forward: FORTRESS

Fast Forward: FORTRESS is ideal for players who enjoy light, strategic card games with a bluffing element. It’s a great travel game due to its compact size and is suitable for both casual and experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with clear, upfront rules or those who are easily frustrated by dynamic rule changes. Overall, it’s a fun and engaging game that offers a unique gaming experience through its innovative Fable System and evolving gameplay mechanics.

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