The Smog Riders: Dimensions of Madness (2017) Board Game

The Smog Riders: Dimensions of Madness is a board game released in 2017 by Scale Games LLC. It falls under the categories of Action / Dexterity, Adventure, Card Game, Dice, and Exploration. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a playing time of 60-90 minutes and is suitable for ages 14 and up.

Game Components of The Smog Riders: Dimensions of Madness

Rulebook (48 pages)

18 double-sided character cards

40 defense cards

40 magic cards

20 room cards

212 markers

9 unique Commonsteam Alliance miniatures (35mm)

9 unique Abyssal Empire miniatures (35mm)

12 double-sided boards

How To Setup The Smog Riders: Dimensions of Madness

To set up the game, players form teams, with up to four different teams possible. The game always has two sides: the attackers and the defenders. For two players, one player is the attacker and the other is the defender, while for three or four players, one player defends and the rest attack. The attackers are from the same faction (either the Commonsteam Alliance or the Abyssal Empire), and the defender is from the opposing faction. The game board consists of various tiles arranged according to the scenario map, representing factories and the dark corridors of the Stygian Dimension.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Points: Players use action points to perform actions.

Action Queue: Players manage an action queue to sequence their moves.

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to control areas.

Card Drafting: Players draw and use defense and magic cards.

Dice Rolling: Used for resolving conflicts and challenges.

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

Variable Player Powers: Each character has unique attributes and abilities.

Objective: Players aim to control steam technology and occult secrets by completing missions, finding artifacts, and eliminating rivals to earn points.

Player Experience

In The Smog Riders: Dimensions of Madness, players immerse themselves in a steampunk universe filled with unique characters and challenging missions. Each character has two profiles depending on whether they are attackers or defenders, adding a layer of strategy and adaptability. The game requires players to stay in a state of readiness, adapt to the changing environment, and use the environment effectively to overcome enemies. The modular board and variable player powers ensure high replayability.

Pros

Unique Characters: Each character has distinct attributes and abilities.

High Replayability: Modular board and multiple scenarios.

Immersive Theme: Steampunk setting with a rich narrative.

Customization: Expansions available for figures, accessories, and paints.

Cons

Chance-Based Elements: Some parts of the game rely heavily on dice rolls and card draws.

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components and scenario-specific board arrangements.

Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics and rules may take some time to master.

Personal Thoughts on The Smog Riders: Dimensions of Madness

The Smog Riders: Dimensions of Madness is ideal for fans of steampunk and miniature board games who enjoy strategic gameplay with a touch of luck. The game’s depth and the potential for expansions make it a great choice for players looking for a game that can evolve over time. While it may have a steep learning curve, the unique characters and immersive setting make it a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time.

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