Uprising: Curse of the Last Emperor is a board game released in 2021, designed by Igor Desic, Bartek Fedyczak, and Dirk Sommer. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of rebels fighting against the oppressive rule of the last emperor. With a mix of civilization-building, economic management, and wargame elements, Uprising offers a unique gaming experience for 1-4 players.
Game Components of Uprising: Curse of the Last Emperor
Modular Map: Generates unique effects with every hex.Heroes: 16 different heroes from 8 highly asymmetric factions, each with two leaders and unique feat cards.Units: Basic and elite archers, and basic and elite warriors for each faction.Resources: Salt, food, and plunder.Feats and Cards: Over 100 cards for powerful combinations.Enemy Factions: The Empire and Chaos hordes with their own mechanics and behaviors.Rulebook: A 60-page spiralbound book with concise rules, examples, and strategy tips.Reference Sheets: Detailed sheets for player actions, enemy behaviors, and combat flowcharts.
How To Setup Uprising: Curse of the Last Emperor
Setting up the game involves several steps:
Initial Map Preparation: Assemble the modular map.Chapter Cards: Reveal the first chapter card to dictate enemy unit deployments.Hero Selection: Choose a hero from one of the eight factions, each with their own tray and components.Resource Distribution: Distribute initial resources and units.Build Phase: Players can build units, walls, and towers during the first build phase.Action Phase Preparation: Each hero draws two unique feat cards and selects one to keep.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Explore: Discover the modular map with unique effects.Fight: Engage in combat with the Empire and Chaos hordes using dice conflict resolution.Conquer: Control territory, build defenses, and gather resources.Solve Quests: Complete quests to gain advantages or suffer penalties.Develop: Find powerful combinations using over 100 cards.Objective: Win if all player factions score more victory points than both the Empire and Chaos after four chapters.
Player Experience
Playing **Uprising: Curse of the Last Emperor** is a complex yet rewarding experience. Players take on the role of leaders of a rebel faction, navigating the challenges of fighting against two independently acting enemies: the Empire and the Chaos hordes. The game is divided into four chapters, each consisting of several phases including refresh, event, build, actions, nemesis activation, production, and scoring. The dynamic between the Empire and Chaos, who also attack each other, adds a layer of strategy and unpredictability.
Pros
High Replayability: Unique map setup, varied quest and event cards, and multiple hero choices ensure each game feels fresh.Cooperative 4X: A unique blend of cooperative gameplay and 4X mechanics.Deep Strategy: Multiple layers of strategy involving resource management, unit deployment, and feat card combinations.Immersive Theme: Set in the frozen lands of Azuhl, the game offers a deeply immersive post-apocalyptic world.
Cons
Complex Rules: The 60-page rulebook can be intimidating for new players.Dice Dependence: The game involves a lot of dice rolling, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes.Long Playtime: Games can last several hours due to the complexity and depth of gameplay.
Personal Thoughts on Uprising: Curse of the Last Emperor
**Uprising: Curse of the Last Emperor** is a game tailored for fans of complex, strategic board games. It is ideal for players who enjoy 4X games and are looking for a cooperative experience with deep mechanics. The game’s unique blend of exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination, combined with its cooperative elements, makes it a standout in the board game community. However, due to its complexity and long playtime, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to 4X games.
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