The Shadow Over Westminster (2015) Board Game

The Shadow Over Westminster is a horror-themed board game designed by Phillip Jenné and released in in 2015. The game takes place in a fictional version of London where players must work together to defeat the cosmic horrors threatening the city.

Game Components of The Shadow Over Westminster

Player decks: Each player starts with a deck of basic investigation and research abilities.

Artifacts: Players can acquire these to enhance their abilities.

Board: Represents the city of Westminster, where players must navigate and tackle challenges.

Challenge cards: These cards introduce various obstacles and horrors that players must overcome.

Darkness tracker: Monitors the progress of the darkness creeping over the city.

How To Setup The Shadow Over Westminster

To set up the game, players first construct their starting decks with the basic investigation and research abilities. The board is laid out to depict the city of Westminster, and challenge cards are prepared. Each player chooses a starting location on the board. The darkness tracker is set to its initial position, indicating the beginning of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative play: Players work together to save Westminster from the creeping darkness.

Deck-building: Players expand their decks with new abilities and artifacts.

Area movement: Players move around the board to tackle challenges.

Challenge resolution: Players use their abilities to resolve challenges and push back the darkness.

Objective: The goal is to prevent the darkness from overtaking the city by resolving challenges and maintaining coordination among players.

Player Experience

In The Shadow Over Westminster, players experience a dynamic and cooperative gameplay environment. The game requires strategic planning and coordination to succeed, as a lack of coordination can lead to the darkness spreading rapidly. Players must balance their individual contributions with the overall team strategy to save the city.

Pros

Cooperative gameplay: Encourages teamwork and strategic planning.

Dynamic challenges: Each game offers different challenges, providing high replayability.

Deck-building mechanics: Allows players to customize and enhance their abilities.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players to understand initially.

Length: Games can be lengthy, requiring a significant time commitment.

Dependence on coordination: Success heavily relies on players working well together.

Personal Thoughts on The Shadow Over Westminster

The Shadow Over Westminster is ideal for fans of cooperative games and horror themes. It is particularly suited for experienced board game players due to its complexity and the need for strategic coordination. The game offers a rich and immersive experience, making it a great addition to any serious board game collection. However, it may not be the best choice for newcomers to board gaming or those seeking a quick, casual play 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.