Guards of Atlantis: Tabletop MOBA (2017) Board Game

Guards of Atlantis: Tabletop MOBA is a board game that was released in in 2017. It is designed to mimic the popular MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) video game genre, where players control unique heroes and battle against each other in a fantasy setting. The game is designed for 2-9 players, with the best experience for 4, 6, or 8 players.

Game Components of Guards of Atlantis: Tabletop MOBA

Heroes: Each player controls a single hero.

Cards: 5 initial cards per hero, with 13 additional upgraded versions.

Minions: Units that are not directly controlled by players.

Game Board: Divided into areas where heroes and minions are placed.

Coins: Used to buy levels and upgrade heroes.

How To Setup Guards of Atlantis: Tabletop MOBA

To set up the game, players first choose their hero characters. Each hero starts with five unique cards, and additional cards can be unlocked as the hero gains levels. Players place their heroes and minions at predefined spots on the game board. The game is split into rounds, each consisting of up to four turns.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hero Control: Each player controls one hero using a hand of cards.

Card Play: Cards are played face down, then revealed and resolved in order of initiative values.

Minion Movement: Defeating enemy minions earns coins, which are used to upgrade the hero. Minions move towards the enemy base.

Lane Pushing: If a team loses all minions in an area, the lane is “pushed,” moving all minions closer to the opponent’s base.

Objective: The first team to help their minions reach and capture the enemy base wins.

Player Experience

Guards of Atlantis encourages teamwork and tactical play, particularly when played with two teams of players. The game requires strategic card play, as the timing and choice of cards are crucial. Each hero’s role can evolve during the game to adapt to the opponents’ strategies. The absence of dice rolls adds a layer of predictability, making card management key to success.

Pros

Teamplay: Encourages cooperation and strategy among team members.

Adaptive Roles: Heroes can evolve their roles during the game.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful card management and timing.

Unique Setting: Set in a steampunk world, offering a fresh theme.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the variety of card actions.

Player Count: Optimal experience is with multiple players; fewer players may reduce the game’s dynamism.

Learning Curve: Requires time to understand the nuances of card play and hero upgrades.

Personal Thoughts on Guards of Atlantis: Tabletop MOBA

Guards of Atlantis: Tabletop MOBA is ideal for fans of MOBA games and those who enjoy strategic, team-based board games. It is particularly suited for groups of 4-9 players looking for a game that combines teamwork, strategy, and a unique steampunk setting. While it may have a steep learning curve, the depth and complexity of the game make it highly rewarding for experienced players.

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