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Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients (Revised Edition) (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients (Revised Edition) is a cooperative adventure board game set in a world of horror and fantasy. Released in 2020, this game is a revised edition of the original City of the Ancients expansion for the Shadows of Brimstone series. Designed by Gaël Goumon, Jack Scott Hill, Ralph Horsley, and Tomasz Jedruszek, this game takes players on thrilling expeditions through dangerous mines and ancient cities filled with otherworldly creatures.

Game Components of Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients

  • Rulebook**
  • Adventure Book**
  • Dice: 16 Small Dice, 1 Eight-sided Die, 1 Peril Die
  • Map Tiles: Entrance Map Tile, 12 Room Map Tiles, 6 Passage Map Tiles, 18 End Cap Tiles, 6 Gate End Cap Map Tiles
  • Character Sheets: 4
  • Enemy Record Sheets: 6
  • Extra Large Cards: 9
  • Plastic Miniatures: Hero Figures, Tentacles, Stranglers, Void Spiders, Night Terrors, Goliath
  • Cards:
    – Mine Map Cards: 18
    – Gear Cards: 32
    – Mine Artifact Cards: 15
    – Mine Encounter Cards: 20
    – Threat Cards: 35
    – Growing Dread Cards: 7
    – Darkness Cards: 15
    – Personal Items Cards: 10
    – Loot Cards: 12
    – Scavenge Cards: 12
    – Targa Encounter Cards: 15
    – Targa Artifact Cards: 12
    – Targa Map Cards: 18
    – Targa Otherworld Threat Cards: 6
    – Starting Gear Cards: 8
    – Hero Starting Upgrade Cards: 12
    – World Cards: 2
    – Side Bag Cards: 4
    – Reference Cards: 7

  • CD Soundtrack**
  • Depth Track**

    How To Setup Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients

    Setting up the game involves several steps. First, assemble the miniatures, which, while requiring patience, are detailed and easy to assemble in the revised edition. Next, prepare the map tiles, which are double-sided, featuring the Old West Mines and the ancient frozen city of the Targa Plateau. Players then choose their characters, selecting from classic Western Hero Archetypes like the Law Man, Gunslinger, or Saloon Girl. Each character receives a unique personal item and special ability. The game components, including cards, dice, and character sheets, need to be organized according to the rulebook. The setup process, though detailed, is made clearer by the updated rulebooks and cards in the revised edition.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Cooperative Play: Players form an adventuring posse to overcome challenges.
  • Dice Rolling: Used for combat, skill checks, and exploration.
  • Grid Movement: Movement is tracked on a modular board composed of map tiles.
  • Role Playing: Characters level up, gaining new skills and abilities.
  • Variable Player Powers: Each character has unique abilities and upgrades.
  • Objective: Players must venture into the mines and other worlds, fighting enemies, collecting loot, and overcoming dangers to save the town of Brimstone from supernatural threats.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients** is a rich and immersive experience. The game combines the best elements of tabletop RPGs and campaign-based board gaming, offering a high level of replayability. Players can explore different worlds, encounter random events, and build their characters over multiple adventures. The game’s campaign system allows characters to level up and gain new abilities, and the town phase between adventures adds a layer of strategy and role-playing.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: Randomized map and encounter system ensures no two games are the same.
  • Deep Character Customization: Characters can be developed over multiple games with unique items and abilities.
  • Engaging Campaign System: Allows for character progression and town interactions between adventures.
  • Immersive Theme: Blends Old West and horror elements for a unique setting.
  • Robust Expansions: Compatible with other Shadows of Brimstone expansions to enhance gameplay.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup: Requires patience and care to assemble miniatures and organize components.
  • Steep Learning Curve: Rules are moderately complex, requiring multiple readings and possibly instructional videos.
  • Expensive: The game is priced higher than some other board games on the market.
  • Time-Consuming: Games can last between 90-180 minutes.

    Personal Thoughts on Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients

    **Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients** is ideal for fans of cooperative board games, dungeon crawls, and horror themes. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy role-playing and character customization. The game’s complexity and depth make it a great fit for experienced gamers looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. However, due to its intricate setup and rules, it may not be the best choice for casual or new board game enthusiasts.

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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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