Grifters: Nexus (2018) Board Game

Grifters: Nexus is a standalone expansion to the original Grifters game, which was released in in 2018. Designed by Jarek Nocoń, Daniel Solis, and Dawid Urbaniak, this card game is set in a world of criminal masterminds and cunning con artists. Players take on the roles of competing crime syndicates, trying to outsmart and outmaneuver their opponents to become the most successful grifters in the city.

Game Components of Grifters: Nexus

140 Cards (Jobs, Crew, Gear, and Influence)

1 Rulebook

How To Setup Grifters: Nexus

Shuffle the Job deck and deal 5 cards to each player.

Shuffle the Crew, Gear, and Influence decks separately.

Place the decks in the center of the play area.

Each player draws their starting hand of 5 cards.

Choose a start player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Grifters: Nexus, players take turns recruiting cards from the central decks to build their criminal organizations. Players can complete Jobs, recruit Crew members, equip Gear, and gain Influence to earn points and sabotage their opponents. The objective is to earn the most points by the end of the game through clever card combinations and strategic play.

Player Experience

Pros

Quick gameplay with interesting decision-making moments.

Strategic depth in card selection and hand management.

Engaging theme that immerses players in the world of crime and deception.

Cons

Limited player interaction beyond card stealing and sabotage.

Card text can be overwhelming for new players.

Luck of the draw can heavily influence game outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Grifters: Nexus

Grifters: Nexus offers a unique blend of deck-building and hand management mechanics set in a thematic world of organized crime. The game provides a good balance of strategy and tactics, with players having to adapt to changing circumstances and opponents’ moves. The build quality of the cards is decent, and the artwork adds to the immersive experience.

In terms of pricing and availability, Grifters: Nexus can be found at reasonable prices for both new and used copies. Fans of card games with a mafia theme will likely enjoy this title, as will players who appreciate games that require careful planning and resource management.

However, Grifters: Nexus may not be suitable for players looking for high player interaction or those who prefer games with minimal luck-based elements. If you enjoy games like Dominion or Race for the Galaxy, Grifters: Nexus could be worth your time. It’s a game that rewards strategic thinking and clever card plays, making it a solid choice for fans of the genre.

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