Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago (2017) Board Game

Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago is a standalone game set in the same fantasy world as the popular Frostgrave tabletop miniatures game. In this game, players take on the role of a captain leading a crew of adventurers exploring the mysterious islands of the Ghost Archipelago in search of treasure and ancient relics.

Game Components of Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago

Rulebook: A 144-page hardback, beautifully illustrated by Dmitry and Kate Burmak.

Miniatures: Players use their own miniatures to represent Heritors, Wardens, and other soldiers.

Spells: 30 spells from five schools of magic.

Soldier Types: Various types of soldiers, including spellcasters, rogues, and treasure hunters.

Scenarios: Challenging scenarios and treasure tables.

Bestiary: A list of common creatures inhabiting the Lost Isles.

How To Setup Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago

To set up the game, players need to assemble their war bands, consisting of a Heritor and supporting soldiers. Each player selects their Heritor, who possesses unique abilities due to their ancestral lineage from the Crystal Pool. Wardens, who are wizards with specific branches of magic (Beast, Earth, Storm, Vine, Wave), are also chosen. The game board is typically a densely packed, jungle-rich island landscape with ruins of ancient civilizations. Players then determine the scenario, set up terrain, and deploy their miniatures.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The primary goal is for each player’s Heritor to collect ‘Map Stones’ that lead to the Crystal Pool. Collecting all ten Map Stones wins the campaign.

Combat Mechanics: Uses the same rules system as the original Frostgrave, with an emphasis on tactical combat and spellcasting.

Exploration: Players navigate through the ever-shifting labyrinth of the Ghost Archipelago.

Resource Management: Managing treasure and resources to make the expedition worthwhile while avoiding significant losses.

Random Elements: Map Stones are acquired randomly, adding an element of chance to the game.

Player Experience

Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago offers a unique and engaging experience, especially for fans of the original Frostgrave. The tropical setting provides a refreshing change from the snowy ruins of Felstad, with lush jungles and clear blue waters. The game is new-gamer friendly, with easy-to-follow rules and beautiful illustrations that capture the atmosphere of the setting.

Pros

Interchangeable with Original: Compatible with the original Frostgrave, allowing for cross-over scenarios.

Rich Setting: Detailed and beautifully illustrated rulebook.

Deep Mechanics: Includes a variety of spells, soldier types, and challenging scenarios.

High Replayability: Random elements and multiple paths to victory ensure many playthroughs.

Cons

Preference of Setting: Some players may prefer the original Frostgrave setting over the tropical islands.

Lengthy Campaign: Collecting all ten Map Stones can be a long and challenging process.

Personal Thoughts on Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago

Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago is an excellent addition to the Frostgrave series, catering to both fans of the original game and new players. It is ideal for those who enjoy miniature wargaming, fantasy adventures, and tactical combat. The game’s new setting and mechanics provide a fresh experience without straying from the core elements that made Frostgrave popular. It is highly recommended for anyone looking to expand their Frostgrave universe or seeking a new challenge in miniature wargaming.

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