Rage (1995) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Rage is a card game that was released in 1995 and is based on the Werewolf: The Apocalypse role-playing game setting from White Wolf Publishing. It is designed for 2-6 players, with the best player count being 3. The game features collectible components and is set in the World of Darkness universe, known for its horror and supernatural themes.

Game Components of Rage

Characters: Double-sided cards representing werewolves in their human or wolf forms and their crinos (wolf-man) forms.

Sept Cards: Part of the sept deck, these include resources, game-altering cards, and alternate methods of gaining Victory Points (VP).

Combat Cards: Part of the combat deck, used for combat maneuvers and bluffs.

Quests and Rites: Cards that provide additional ways to gain VP.

Moot Cards: Used for voting and political interactions among players.

How To Setup Rage

To set up Rage, each player starts with their pack already in play, consisting of unique characters. Players draw their initial sept hand and combat hand based on their sept hand size and combat hand size. No actions can be taken until all players have drawn these cards. The game also involves setting a Renown level, which determines the number of characters a player starts with and the number of VP required to win.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Play: All players act at the same time, except during the Combat Phase, where Alphas act in descending order of Renown.

Phases: The game is divided into phases, including Redraw, Regeneration, and Combat.

Combat: Players use combat cards from their hand, with characters limited by their rage statistic.

Moots: Players can vote on moot cards, allowing for political interactions and alliances.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate Victory Points (VP) by killing prey, completing quests, and winning votes. The player with VP equal to or exceeding the Renown level wins the game[4.).

Player Experience

Rage offers a dynamic and multiplayer-oriented experience. Players must balance combat, resource management, and political maneuvering. The game encourages backstabbing, deal-making, and favor-calling, adding a rich layer of social interaction. The simplicity of the rules, without complicated timing or resource systems, makes it accessible yet strategic.

Pros

Innovative Mechanics: Simultaneous play and the absence of complex timing rules enhance the multiplayer experience.

Deep Strategy: Combines combat, resource management, and political tactics.

Immersive Theme: Based on the Werewolf: The Apocalypse RPG, providing a rich background and engaging storyline.

Social Interaction: Moots and voting mechanics foster significant social play and negotiation.

Cons

Complex Rules: The original rulebook is often criticized for being incomprehensible, requiring online resources or a tutor to understand.

Artwork: Sometimes below average or recycled.

Availability: The game has been out of print since 2013, with limited availability in certain regions.

Personal Thoughts on Rage

Rage is ideal for fans of complex, strategic card games and those who enjoy the Werewolf: The Apocalypse universe. It is suited for players who appreciate deep game mechanics, social interaction, and a rich thematic background. However, the game’s current unavailability and the need for updated rules may present barriers for new players. Despite these challenges, Rage remains a unique and engaging CCG that can provide countless hours of strategic gameplay and storytelling.

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