Renegade (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Renegade is a strategic board game that was released in in 2018. Designed by Clark Miller and published by Victory Point Games, Renegade falls into the science fiction category and offers players an immersive gaming experience filled with action and strategy.

Game Components of Renegade

Deck of cards: Featuring four suits corresponding to different types of Contaminants.

Contaminant tokens: Representing various types such as Data Ports, Replicators, Uplinks, and Viruses.

Server tiles: Divided into six numbered Partitions.

Spark and Guardian tokens: Representing the AI’s defenses.

Hack Shack cards: For purchasing upgraded cards.

Command Points: Used to perform various actions.

Player pawns and utilities: For each hacker character.

Goal cards: Copper, Silver, and Gold objectives.

Super-Massive Computer (SMC) cards: Each with unique scenario rules and difficulties.

How To Setup Renegade

To set up Renegade, players choose a Super-Massive Computer (SMC) card, which determines the initial setup of the Server tiles and the difficulty level. Each player selects a hacker pawn and places it on a starting server partition. The game includes setting up Spark tokens, which represent the AI’s defenses, and preparing the Hack Shack for card purchases. The goal cards (Copper, Silver, Gold) are also selected to provide the objectives for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Building: Players manage a 15-card deck, upgrading cards by purchasing from the Hack Shack and discarding weaker ones.

Area Control: Contaminant tokens are placed in Partitions to control areas and perform actions.

Command Points: Used to move, upload Contaminants, and perform other actions.

Objective Completion: Players must complete progressively difficult goals (Copper, Silver, Gold) within three-turn rounds.

AI Countermeasures: Manage Sparks and Guardians to prevent them from overwhelming the network.

Cooperative Play: Players work together to achieve goals, with solo play scaling down objectives and providing bonuses.

Player Experience

Renegade offers a complex and rewarding experience, especially for solo players. The game combines elements of deck-building, area control, and puzzle-solving, making each turn a deep strategic decision. Players must adapt to the cards available and the evolving game state, which can be both challenging and satisfying. The game’s theme, centered around hackers battling an AI, is heavily integrated into the mechanics, adding to the immersive experience.

Pros

Challenging and Rewarding: High degree of strategy and puzzle-solving.

Immersive Theme: Strong cyberpunk theme that enhances gameplay.

Immediate Deck Upgrades: New cards go directly into the hand, allowing immediate impact.

Solo and Cooperative Play: Scales well for both solo and cooperative gameplay.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Difficult to learn due to complex rules and jargon.

Randomness: Game can suffer from randomness, leading to quick losses.

Manual Complexity: Overly difficult to read manual makes teaching the game a headache.

Personal Thoughts on Renegade

Renegade is ideal for players who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong theme. It is particularly suited for solo gamers who appreciate the challenge of managing a deck and overcoming AI countermeasures. However, it may not be the best choice for new players or those looking for a quick, easy-to-learn game. For those who are patient and willing to invest time in learning the rules, Renegade offers a deeply satisfying and challenging experience.

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