Hard City (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Hard City is a board game released in 2020, designed by Łukasz Witusiński and illustrated by Hexy Studio. It falls under the horror and humor miniatures category, offering a unique gaming experience for 1 to 5 players.

Game Components of Hard City

3D miniatures

Game board featuring an 80s cityscape

Character cards

Mutation cards for Doctor Zero’s minions

Coffee and donut tokens (as Easter eggs)

Cutscene and episode cards to enhance the narrative experience

How To Setup Hard City

To set up Hard City, players first prepare the game board, which represents the cityscape of Hard City. One player takes on the role of Doctor Zero, the evil mastermind, while the other players become brave officers of the Hard City Police Department. Each player selects their character and places their miniatures on the board according to the initial setup instructions. The game includes various cards and tokens that are shuffled and distributed accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Miniatures, Tactical, Adventure

Player Count: 1 to 5 players

One vs All Mechanics: One player as Doctor Zero against the rest as police officers

Objective: The police officers aim to stop Doctor Zero’s evil plans, while Doctor Zero seeks to overpower the police and achieve his goals.

Mutation Mechanics: Doctor Zero can create mutants to aid him in his battle against the police.

Cutscenes and Episodes: The game includes narrative elements through cutscene and episode cards.

Player Experience

Playing Hard City immerses players in an action-packed 80s movie setting, complete with neon lights, coffee and donuts, and a plethora of Easter eggs. The game combines tactical decision-making with a fun, nostalgic atmosphere. Players must work together as police officers to strategize and defeat Doctor Zero, or conversely, Doctor Zero must use his cunning and mutant creations to outmaneuver the police.

Pros

Immersive Theme: The game’s 80s setting and Easter eggs add a fun and nostalgic touch.

Tactical Depth: The game requires strategic thinking and teamwork.

High-Quality Components: Includes 3D miniatures and detailed game board.

Narrative Elements: Cutscenes and episodes enhance the gameplay experience.

Cons

One vs All Dynamics: May lead to imbalance if not managed well.

Complex Setup: Requires careful setup and understanding of the rules.

Limited Player Roles: Only one player can be Doctor Zero, which might limit replayability for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Hard City

Hard City is ideal for fans of 80s action movies and those who enjoy tactical miniature games. It offers a unique blend of nostalgia and strategic gameplay, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may appeal more to groups with a dedicated player willing to take on the role of Doctor Zero consistently, as the one vs all dynamic can be a selling point for some but a drawback for others.

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