Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients (2014) Board Game

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients is a cooperative board game set in the Old West with a dark and supernatural twist. Players take on the roles of cowboys, gunslingers, and other characters as they explore the mysterious and dangerous City of the Ancients. The game was released in 2014 by Flying Frog Productions and has since gained a dedicated fan base for its immersive gameplay and thematic elements.

Game Components of Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients

1 Rulebook

1 Adventure Book

16 Small Dice

1 Eight-sided Die

1 Peril Die

Map Tiles (including Old West Mines and the ancient, frozen-over alien city of the Targa Plateau)

Depth Track

CD Soundtrack

Character Sheets

Enemy Record Sheets

Extra Large Cards

Plastic miniatures (Heroes, Tentacles, Stranglers, Void Spiders, Night Terrors, Goliath)

Mine Map Cards

Gear Cards

Mine Artifact Cards

Mine Encounter Cards

Threat Cards

Darkness Cards

Personal Items Cards

Loot Cards

Scavenge Cards

Targa Encounter Cards

Targa Artifact Cards

Targa Map Cards

Targa Otherworld Threat Cards

Starting Gear Cards

Hero Starting Upgrade Cards

World Cards

Side Bag Cards

Reference Cards.

How To Setup Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients

Setting up the game involves several steps. First, players choose their characters, each with unique skills and abilities, and assemble the necessary miniatures. The game board is constructed using interlocking, double-sided Map Tiles, which can depict either the Old West Mines or the ancient city on the Targa Plateau. Players then distribute the various cards (Gear, Artifact, Encounter, etc.) and prepare the dice. The Adventure Book guides players through the setup process, ensuring all components are in place before the adventure begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Game: Players work together to overcome challenges.

Dice Rolling: Used for movement, combat, and other actions.

Grid Movement: Characters move on a grid-based board.

Modular Board: The board is built from interlocking tiles.

Role Playing: Characters level up and gain new skills and abilities.

Variable Player Powers: Each character has unique abilities and starting items.

Campaign System: Heroes can be kept from game to game, earning experience and leveling up.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of classic Western heroes, such as the Law Man, Gunslinger, or Saloon Girl, and form a posse to venture into the dark mines overrun by ancient demons and foul creatures. The game features a dynamic exploration system, where no two games are the same. Players can find portals to other worlds, collect loot, and face new dangers. Between adventures, players visit local frontier towns to spend their loot and prepare for the next mission. The game combines tactical gameplay with a rich narrative, allowing players to develop their heroes over multiple sessions.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: No two games are ever the same due to the robust card-driven exploration system.

Deep Character Development: Characters can level up and gain new skills and abilities.

Immersive Theme: A unique blend of the Old West and cosmic horror.

High Replayability: Campaign system and multiple expansions available.

Engaging Mechanics: Combination of dice rolling, grid movement, and role-playing elements.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components.

Steep Learning Curve: The game has a lot of rules and mechanics to understand.

Expensive: The core set and expansions can be costly.

Long Playtime: Games can last between 90 to 180 minutes.

Personal Thoughts on Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients is ideal for fans of cooperative games, dungeon crawls, and those who enjoy a mix of western and horror themes. It is best suited for players who appreciate deep character development and a high level of replayability. However, due to its complexity and long playtime, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to board games. For those willing to invest the time, it offers a rich and immersive gaming experience.

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