The Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game (2017) Board Game

The Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game is a board game adaptation of the popular urban fantasy book series by author Jim Butcher. Released in 2017, the game is designed by Fred Hicks, Chris McGrath, and Tyler Walpole, with artwork by Evil Hat Productions. Players take on the roles of Harry Dresden and his friends as they work together to solve cases and battle supernatural threats in the city of Chicago.

Game Components of The Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game

1 game board

155 cards (5 player decks, 5 novel-based scenario decks, 1 short-stories-based random scenario deck)

77 counters

8 dice

1 rule book

Organizing dividers (including ones for the first few expansions)

Foam blocks

How To Setup The Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game

To set up the game, players first choose their characters, each representing a different ally from the Dresden Files series, including Harry Dresden, Murphy, Susan, Michael, and the Alphas. The scenario deck is shuffled and placed on the board, reflecting the case or novel the players are tackling. Each player receives a deck of cards specific to their character, and the shared pool of Fate points is initialized. The game board is set up according to the scenario being played, and players are ready to start their cooperative adventure.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to solve cases.

Card Play: Use character-specific cards to take actions.

Dice Rolling: Use dice to resolve conflicts and investigations.

Fate Points: Manage a shared pool of Fate points to activate abilities and take actions.

Scenario Decks: Play through decks based on the first five novels and the short story collection “Side Jobs.”

Game Objective: Solve more cases than there are foes remaining on the board to win.

Player Experience

The Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game offers a tense and strategic cooperative experience where players must work together, utilizing their unique abilities and managing resources efficiently. The game scales smoothly from one to five players, with two-player games requiring each player to control two characters. The game’s design ensures that each playthrough is challenging yet rewarding, making it appealing to both fans of the Dresden Files series and cooperative game enthusiasts.

Pros

Immersive Theme: Deeply rooted in the Dresden Files universe, making it a delight for fans.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and teamwork.

Scalability: Supports 1-5 players with special rules for two-player games.

Replayability: Multiple scenario decks and random elements ensure varied gameplay.

Expansions Available: Several expansions add new characters, scenarios, and mechanics.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Can be complex for new players to learn.

Dependence on Luck: Dice rolls can introduce an element of luck that may affect strategy.

Length: While the game is designed to last about 30 minutes, complex scenarios can extend playtime.

Personal Thoughts on The Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game

This game is ideal for fans of the Dresden Files series and anyone who enjoys cooperative games with deep strategic elements. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate a challenge and are willing to invest time in learning the game’s mechanics. The game’s ability to scale from solo play to a group of five makes it versatile and accessible to a variety of gaming groups. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a quick, simple game, as it requires a significant amount of strategy and teamwork to succeed.

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