Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game (2021) Board Game
Brief History and Background Information for Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game
Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game is based on the popular tabletop role-playing game, Vampire: The Masquerade. Renegade Game Studios released this card game in 2021, designed by Dan Blanchett and Matt Hyra. The game is set in the World of Darkness universe, where players take on the roles of rival vampires vying for control over the city.
Game Components of Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game
- Player cards
- Crypt cards
- Clan cards
- Agenda cards
- Haven cards
- Influence tokens
- Agenda tokens
- Rulebook
How To Setup Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game
- Each player chooses a clan and takes the corresponding clan deck.
- Shuffle the crypt cards and deal a starting crypt to each player.
- Set up the haven cards and agenda cards in the play area.
- Each player draws a starting hand of cards.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Players take turns playing cards from their hand to gain control over locations in the city, recruit vampires, and advance their agendas. The objective is to earn the most victory points by the end of the game through completing agenda cards and controlling locations.
Player Experience
Pros:
- Engaging deck construction mechanics
- Strategic gameplay with multiple paths to victory
- Beautiful artwork and thematic design
- Quick and easy setup
- Suitable for both casual and competitive players
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for new players
- Luck of the draw can sometimes heavily influence outcomes
- Limited player interaction in some scenarios
Personal Thoughts on Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game
Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game offers a unique and immersive experience for fans of the World of Darkness universe. The gameplay is challenging yet rewarding, with a good balance of strategy and luck. The build quality of the cards is excellent, and the artwork is stunning. While the game may not appeal to everyone, it is definitely worth a try for fans of deck construction games and horror themes. The pricing and availability of both new and used copies are reasonable, making it accessible to a wide range of players. Overall, I would recommend Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game to anyone looking for a thematic and engaging card game experience.
Game Components of Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game
How To Setup Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game
Setting up the game involves each player selecting a pre-constructed deck featuring one of the four clans: Toreador, Ventrue, Brujah, or Malkavian. Each player must ensure their leader vampire is unique, with priority given to the first player. The San Francisco City Deck and other components are then prepared according to the rulebook instructions.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Player Experience
Players take on the role of a coterie leader, navigating the complexities of vampire politics and alliances. The game is designed for ages 14+ and offers a dynamic experience that changes significantly with the number of players. However, some players have found the rules to be confusing and the graphic design of the cards to be uninspired.
Pros
Cons
Personal Thoughts on Vampire: The Masquerade – Rivals Expandable Card Game
This game is for fans of the World of Darkness and those interested in strategic card games. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a game with a strong community or those who are sensitive to complex rules and mediocre artwork. While it has some innovative mechanics, such as the Prestige system and the neutral city deck, it falls short in other areas, making it a polarizing choice among players. If you’re looking for a VtM card game with simpler mechanics, **Vampire: The Masquerade – Vendetta** might be a better option.
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