The Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Rise of the Runelords – Base Set was released in 2013 by Paizo Publishing. Designed by Mike Selinker, this cooperative card game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of adventurers fighting against various foes.
Game Components of Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Rise of the Runelords – Base Set
Cards: Almost 500 cards, including 110 in the first adventure path.Boons: Weapons, Armor, Spells, Allies, Items, and Blessings.Banes: Monsters, Barriers, and Henchmen.Rule Book: Includes setup instructions, game mechanics, and character guides.Dice: A set of polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12) but no d20.
How To Setup Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Rise of the Runelords – Base Set
Setting up the game involves several steps:
Each player creates a character deck based on their chosen hero, including a specific combination of boons such as Weapons, Armor, Items, Allies, and Blessings.Location decks are built by randomly drawing cards from various decks (monsters, barriers, items, etc.) based on the number of players and the specific location.The main adventure deck and the location decks need to be shuffled and prepared according to the scenario being played.The setup process can be time-consuming, especially if only one person is preparing the decks.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Cooperative Play: Up to 4 players (or 6 with the character add-on pack) work together to explore locations and defeat enemies.Deck-Building: Players build and modify their character decks as they progress through the game.Exploration: Players explore locations by drawing cards from the location deck, encountering banes or acquiring boons.Combat and Checks: Players use their cards to augment dice rolls for combat and skill checks.Objective: The goal is to close all locations permanently by defeating henchmen and the villain, or temporarily closing locations to prevent the villain from escaping.
Player Experience
Playing the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game is a fun and interactive experience that combines strategy and role-playing elements. The game requires a significant amount of setup time, but the actual gameplay is relatively quick, lasting about 30 minutes to an hour per scenario. Players can share cards with each other, adding a social element to the game. However, the game’s complexity and the need for frequent deck adjustments can make it challenging for new players.
Pros
Immersive Storyline: Part of the popular Pathfinder Roleplaying Game universe, offering a rich and engaging story.Replayability: Multiple scenarios and the ability to build different decks provide high replay value.Cooperative: Encourages teamwork and strategy among players.Expansion Options: Regular add-on packs allow for continued growth and new challenges.
Cons
High Cost: The base set and subsequent expansions can be expensive, totaling around $160-$180 for the full adventure path.Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming and involves a lot of deck-building and shuffling.Rulebook Errors: The initial rulebook had several errors, which can confuse new players.
Personal Thoughts on Pathfinder Adventure Card Game: Rise of the Runelords – Base Set
This game is ideal for fans of cooperative card games and the Pathfinder universe. It offers a deep and engaging gameplay experience, although it may be daunting for new players due to its complexity and setup time. For those willing to invest the time and money, the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game provides a rewarding and immersive experience that combines the best elements of deck-building and role-playing games. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those on a tight budget.
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