The Veil (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

The Veil is a fantasy board game that was released in in 2018. It is designed for 1-5 players with a recommended age of 13 and up. The game features deck, bag, and pool building mechanics, making it a unique and engaging experience for players. The Veil offers a solo/solitaire gameplay option, allowing players to enjoy the game on their own.

Game Components of The Veil

Playbooks: Defined by Moves, each playbook represents a unique set of skills.

Character Sheets: For tracking player characters’ abilities and status.

Dice: Used for resolving actions and Moves.

Setting Materials: Includes the core book, expansion materials (e.g., Cascade, Inheritance), and any additional notes or handouts.

Obligation Questions: Used during character creation to establish PC-PC links.

How To Setup The Veil

To set up The Veil, players start by creating their characters using the playbooks. This involves answering Obligation questions to establish connections between characters. The game master (GM) prepares the setting and any pre-defined elements, although the GM is encouraged to let the players shape the narrative through their actions. The game begins with a first session where players introduce their characters and the GM sets the stage for the campaign.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Moves: Players use Moves defined in their playbooks to take actions.

PC-PC Linking: Characters are connected through Obligations established during character creation.

Lifting the Veil: A move that allows characters to attempt to uncover the truth behind the digital overlay.

Glitches and Memory: Characters can be Glitches with imperfect memories, adding a layer of complexity to the game.

Objective: The game is driven by the mantra “Play to Find Out What Happens,” where the objective is to navigate the Cyberpunk world, uncover truths, and deal with the fallibility of human senses and memories.

Player Experience

Playing The Veil is a cerebral journey that combines deep role-playing with moments of action and introspection. Players engage in debates over privacy and identity, and the game challenges them to think critically about their characters’ actions and the world they inhabit. The game is highly interactive, with players influencing the narrative and each other’s experiences through their Moves and Obligations.

Pros

Deep Role-Playing: Encourages thoughtful and immersive character play.

Dynamic Storytelling: Players contribute significantly to the narrative.

Cerebral Engagement: Explores complex themes such as privacy, identity, and the reliability of human senses.

High Replayability: Multiple playbooks and expansions offer a wide range of play experiences.

Cons

Complex Setup: Integrating multiple playbooks and expansions can be challenging.

Requires GM Investment: The GM needs to balance player-driven narrative with pre-defined elements.

Not Traditional PbtA: Deviating from the typical “Play to Find Out What Happens” approach can be tricky.

Personal Thoughts on The Veil

The Veil is for players who enjoy deep, narrative-driven role-playing games and are comfortable with the principles of Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) games. It is ideal for groups looking to explore complex themes and who appreciate the flexibility and creativity that comes with player-driven storytelling. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a more structured or rules-heavy game 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.