For What Remains: Streets of Ruin (2020) Board Game

For What Remains: Streets of Ruin is a science fiction wargame designed by Rick Hershey and David Thompson. It was released in 2020 by Dan Verssen Games (DVG). The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must navigate the ruins of a city and battle against rival factions to survive.

Game Components of For What Remains: Streets of Ruin

Game Tiles: Double-sided, thematically linked to the campaign storyline, allowing for a modular board setup.

Character Counters: 60 counters representing different units, each with unique attributes and abilities.

Action Tokens: 60 tokens used for unit activation and actions.

Faction Guides: Individual guides for each faction, detailing unit stats, special abilities, and ranged weapon effects.

Character Reference Cards: Cards outlining unit stats for Movement, Range, Ranged Combat, Close Combat, and Defense.

How To Setup For What Remains: Streets of Ruin

Setting up the game involves arranging the double-sided game tiles to create a battleground that aligns with the chosen scenario or campaign. Players select their factions, typically the Freemen or the Combine, and place their unit counters on the board according to the scenario’s setup instructions. Each unit is accompanied by its corresponding action tokens and character reference cards. The game’s modular design allows for a wide variety of battleground configurations when combining tiles from different core games.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Chit-Pull System: Units are activated based on a chit-pull mechanism, adding a layer of unpredictability to turn order.

Line of Sight: Combat is influenced by line of sight rules, requiring tactical positioning.

Modular Board: The game features a modular board setup using double-sided tiles, allowing for diverse battlegrounds.

Square Grid: The board is divided into a square grid, facilitating movement and combat.

Objective: The objective varies between skirmishes and campaigns. In skirmishes, players aim for a single victory, while campaigns involve a series of linked skirmishes to form a larger narrative and achieve overall victory.

Player Experience

For What Remains: Streets of Ruin offers a dynamic and immersive experience, particularly appealing to fans of skirmish gaming and post-apocalyptic themes. The game balances simplicity in its core mechanics with depth in the special abilities and unit qualities, making it accessible to new players while still engaging for veterans. The narrative element is strong, with each unit and scenario contributing to a broader story. Face-to-face play is a cat-and-mouse experience, while solo play is equally rewarding and easy to manage.

Pros

High Replayability: The modular board and various factions ensure a high level of replayability.

Narrative Depth: The game maintains a strong narrative through its campaign storyline and unit descriptions.

Easy to Learn: The game is introductory-friendly, making it a great starting point for skirmish gaming.

Solo and Multiplayer Options: Supports both solo and two-player modes, catering to different player preferences.

Cons

Limited Availability: Some components and expansions may be out of stock or hard to find.

Complex Setup for Campaigns: While skirmishes are straightforward, setting up campaigns can be more complex due to the interconnected storyline and multiple components.

Personal Thoughts on For What Remains: Streets of Ruin

For What Remains: Streets of Ruin is ideal for players who enjoy tactical skirmish games, especially those with a penchant for science fiction and post-apocalyptic settings. It’s a great introduction to skirmish gaming due to its accessible mechanics, yet it offers enough depth to keep experienced players engaged. The game’s ability to blend solo and multiplayer experiences seamlessly makes it a versatile addition to any board game collection. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, narrative, and replayability, For What Remains: Streets of Ruin is definitely worth considering.

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