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Jason James (3 KP) rated Founders of Gloomhaven in Tabletop Games

Apr 4, 2019

Founders of Gloomhaven

2018 | City Building, Economic, Fantasy

8.0

(2 Ratings)

Tabletop Game Rating

Founders of Gloomhaven is a 1 to 4 player cooperative/competitive game. In short, players must work to build the city of Gloomhaven. The game provides a two-sided board and depending on which side you choose it slightly changes how the game is played. All players choose a character race and any additional resource cards. This determines which resources the players will automatically own during the game. However, other players will have the opportunity to buy access to resources they do not own. This is vital when building "upgraded" buildings. Each player starts with the same five cards (six cards in a two-player game). Players will have a chance to acquire new card by recruiting advisers, which are upgraded versions of the base cards. Play begins with a player laying down a card they wish to play. They follow the instructions on the top of the card, and then each other player will have a chance to follow the instructions laid out on the bottom of the card. Card actions can always be switched out with a set of basic actions (collect one gold or influence, build a road, or place a worker). If a player chooses (or is forced) to play a "Call to Vote" card, they collect one gold or influence, or build one road for each of the remaining cards in their hand. They reset all of their workers and collect their discard pile. All other players have a chance to collect gold based on the number of resources they own. Then all players vote for which prestige building they want to be built. All players reveal their choice token along with any influence they wish to spend. The player with the most votes gets to place the building anywhere on the map. Points are scored by connecting upgraded buildings to resources you own but is slightly more difficult with the games unique "trickle down" scoring system. This means that some points may have to be shared with players who own base the resources or other upgraded building needed to build the building that was just placed.
Overall this game is for people who enjoy other similar games like Catan or Ticket to Ride. Players must adjust to the fact that roads are public tiles that can connect any players resources to buildings. The game is high statistical and players must be able to make decisions that may result in other players gaining points. I would give the game an 8/10 as it brings a fresh feel to city-building board games! If you have any questions or have any comments on my review please feel free to message me.

Thanks!