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Saltlands (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Saltlands is a post-apocalyptic board game set in a desert wasteland where players must navigate the harsh environment, fend off raiders, and compete for valuable resources. Designed by Bazsó Lossonczy and published in 2016, the game offers a unique blend of adventure, exploration, and strategic decision-making.

Game Components of Saltlands

  • Cards:** 214 cards, including equipment, rumors, and other items.
  • Terrain Tiles:** 18 terrain tiles to create a modular board.
  • Miniatures:** 42 plastic miniatures, including various vehicles like Hover-chevy, Beetle-mod, Pickup, Monsterjeep, Trooper-track, and Trailer Truck.
  • Characters:** 12 playable characters, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.
  • Wind Mechanic:** An indicator on the board that affects movement based on wind direction.
  • Tokens and Player Boards:** Tokens for equipment, armor, and rescued survivors, along with player boards for action allocation.

    How To Setup Saltlands

    Setting up Saltlands involves creating a modular board with terrain tiles, distributing player boards, and dealing out starting cards and equipment. Each player starts with a standard settler landsail and initial cards. The wind indicator is placed on the board, and the raider tokens are positioned according to the rules. The game requires organizing the various card decks, token piles, and miniature vehicles before the first turn.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Action Allocation:** Players use a card and action allocation system, managing four slots on their player board for characters, vehicles, and equipment.
  • Movement:** Players move using landsails, with speed and direction influenced by the wind mechanic.
  • Raiders:** Players activate raiders at the end of their turn, which move towards the nearest target and can be used strategically to help or hinder other players.
  • Scavenging:** Players scavenge for equipment, rescue survivors, and gather rumors to find exit points.
  • Victory Conditions:** The game is won by the first player or group of players to reach an exit point with the necessary equipment and clear out the raiders there.

    Player Experience

    Saltlands offers a dynamic and challenging experience with a sandbox quality, allowing players to choose between solo, cooperative, or competitive play. The game is known for its brutal start, where players can be eliminated quickly if not prepared, but this also introduces the violent and unforgiving nature of the game world. As players progress, they can form alliances or betray each other in the final stages of the game. The game mechanics, including the wind and raider movement, add a layer of realism and tactical depth.

    Pros

  • Dynamic Gameplay:** Allows for various play styles, including solo, cooperative, and competitive modes.
  • Immersive Setting:** A well-realized post-apocalyptic world with engaging mechanics like the wind and raider systems.
  • Replayability:** High replayability due to modular board, random rumor placements, and variable player interactions.
  • Character Depth:** Each character has unique strengths and weaknesses, adding variety to gameplay.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** Initially complex setup with many components and icon-led cards requiring frequent rule checks.
  • Player Elimination:** Player elimination can occur quickly, potentially leaving some players out of the game early.
  • Steep Learning Curve:** The game requires time to understand the rules and mechanics fully.

    Personal Thoughts on Saltlands

    Saltlands is ideal for players who enjoy post-apocalyptic themes, strategic gameplay, and dynamic player interactions. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate sandbox-style games where the approach to victory can vary greatly. While it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more casual or Euro-style games due to its complexity and player elimination mechanics, it offers a rich and challenging experience for those willing to dive in. If you’re a fan of games like Mad Max or enjoy the survival aspect of post-apocalyptic settings, Saltlands is definitely worth exploring.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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