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Find the Source (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Find the Source is a science fiction board game released in 2023, designed by Buzzkill and featuring artwork by Animus Magnus Games and another artist. The game is designed for 1-3 players, with a playtime of 10-30 minutes and is suitable for players aged 10 and up. It falls under the categories of dice, print & play, and science fiction, incorporating gameplay elements such as action points, area movement, chaining, cooperative play, and deduction.

Game Components of Find the Source

  • Game Sheets:** Players use grid-based sheets to mark various areas and boxes.
  • Dice:** Used for rolling to determine actions and outcomes.
  • Rules:** Include tables for determining starting locations and agent team sizes.
  • Character Names:** Players name their characters at the start of the game.

    How To Setup Find the Source

    To set up Find the Source, players begin by naming their character and determining their starting location. This is done by rolling three dice, which correspond to a table in the rules to identify the initial location. For example, the starting location could be the hospital. Players then roll two dice to determine the size of the agent team at this location, which affects the game’s progression and difficulty.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Rolling Dice:** Players roll dice to determine action points and to narrow down the possible locations of the Source.
  • Investigate:** Players investigate locations to gather information.
  • Hack:** After investigating two locations, players can hack to further narrow down the Source’s location.
  • Agent Teams:** Players encounter and must defeat agent teams at various locations.
  • Energy Bar:** The energy bar increases when smaller agent teams are chosen, bringing the game closer to its end if it reaches full power.
  • Objective:** The ultimate goal is to find and destroy the Source, a malevolent technological force.

    Player Experience

    Find the Source offers an immersive and challenging experience, especially for fans of cyberpunk and roll-and-write games. Each turn involves strategic choices, such as deciding which locations to investigate and hack, and managing the risk of increasing the energy bar. The game’s replayability is enhanced by the random elements introduced through dice rolls and the varying starting conditions.

    Pros

  • Immersive Theme:** The game’s cyberpunk theme and narrative create an engaging and thematic experience.
  • Replayability:** The random dice rolls and different starting conditions ensure each playthrough is unique.
  • Strategic Depth:** Players must balance risk and reward in their decisions, adding depth to the gameplay.
  • Cooperative Play:** Supports cooperative gameplay for up to three players.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** The game can be complex, especially for new players, and it is recommended to play solo before attempting multiplayer.
  • Learning Curve:** The rules and mechanics require some time to get used to.
  • Manual File Delivery:** File delivery is manual and can take a couple of hours, which might be inconvenient for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Find the Source

    Find the Source is ideal for players who enjoy strategic, thematic games with a strong narrative. It is particularly suited for fans of cyberpunk and roll-and-write mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for casual or family gaming due to its complexity, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those willing to invest the time to learn and play it.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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