Strife: Shadows & Steam (2016) Board Game

Strife: Shadows & Steam is a 2-player card game released in 2016 by V3G. Set in a science fiction world, players take on the roles of rival factions vying for dominance in a steampunk universe. The game features hand management, pattern building, and simultaneous action selection mechanics, making for a fast-paced and strategic gameplay experience.

Game Components of Strife: Shadows & Steam

Deck of cards

Player boards

Tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Strife: Shadows & Steam

Each player selects a faction and takes the corresponding player board and tokens.

Shuffle the deck of cards and deal a starting hand to each player.

Follow the rules for setting up the game board and placing tokens.

Begin gameplay by taking turns playing cards and strategizing to outwit your opponent.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Strife: Shadows & Steam, players must carefully manage their hand of cards, build patterns on their player board, and strategically select actions to outmaneuver their opponent. The objective is to gain control of key locations on the game board and score points by completing patterns.

Player Experience

Pros:

Fast-paced gameplay

Strategic depth

Engaging theme

Simultaneous action selection adds tension

Cons:

Limited replayability

Lack of variety in faction abilities

Rulebook can be unclear at times

Personal Thoughts on Strife: Shadows & Steam

Strife: Shadows & Steam offers an interesting blend of steampunk aesthetics and strategic gameplay mechanics. While the game has its strengths, such as its engaging theme and fast-paced gameplay, it does suffer from some drawbacks like limited replayability and unclear rules. The build quality of the components is decent, though some players may find the lack of variety in faction abilities to be a downside.

In terms of pricing and availability, Strife: Shadows & Steam can be found at a moderate price point for a new copy. Alternatives to this game include other 2-player card games with similar mechanics, such as War of the Ring and Twilight Struggle. Overall, Strife: Shadows & Steam may be worth your time if you enjoy strategy games in the science fiction genre, but it may not be suitable for those seeking a highly replayable experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.