Rebel Nox (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Rebel Nox is a card game that was released in 2018, designed by Kwanchai Moriya. The game is set in a science fiction universe where players take on the roles of spies and secret agents. With a runtime of 20-30 minutes, Rebel Nox is a fast-paced game that is suitable for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Rebel Nox

Deck of cards: Ranging from 1-17 in three colors, along with three rebel cards.

Location cards: Six different locations, each with its own rules, arranged in a pyramid shape.

Conflict markers: Determine the trump suit for each trick.

Flags and special symbol cards: Include assassins, infiltrators, and flags that modify gameplay.

Followers tokens: Awarded to players based on team performance.

How To Setup Rebel Nox

To set up Rebel Nox, players start by arranging the six location cards in a pyramid shape. The deck is sized according to the number of players, and each player is dealt a hand of nine cards. Players who receive at least one rebel card announce their allegiance as rebels at the start of the round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick Taking: Players follow a trick-taking pattern, with one player leading a card and others following suit if possible.

Social Deduction: Players must figure out who is on their team and who might switch allegiances due to infiltrator cards.

Shifting Alliances: Team identities can change mid-round due to infiltrator card effects.

Influence Point Collecting: Teams collect influence points from location cards and flags.

Objective: The winning team must have more than 10 followers per player. If both teams exceed this threshold, the team that won the most recent round wins.

Player Experience

Rebel Nox offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience where each card play requires careful consideration. Players must navigate the complexities of shifting alliances and social deduction to further their team’s interests. The game’s futuristic sci-fi theme, similar to Capital Lux, adds to its appeal.

Pros

Highly Tactical: Encourages strategic thinking and planning.

Dynamic Gameplay: Each round feels different due to randomly drawn locations.

Engaging Theme: Futuristic sci-fi vibe with expressive artwork.

Social Interaction: Players must deduce and adapt to team changes.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to multiple mechanics.

Card Quality Issue: Single-indexed cards may lead to playability issues and card marking.

Length of Engagement: Some players might find the game too light or not engaging enough for the energy invested.

Personal Thoughts on Rebel Nox

Rebel Nox is best suited for players who enjoy strategic team-based games with a strong social deduction element. It is particularly appealing to fans of games like Werewolf or other social deduction titles, as it offers a more structured and tactical experience. However, for players seeking a more substantial game with deeper mechanics, Rebel Nox might fall short in terms of overall engagement and complexity.

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