Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients
- Designer Jason C. Hill
- Publisher Flying Frog Productions
- Illustration Gaël Goumon , Jack Scott Hill , Ralph Horsley , Tomasz Jedruszek , Brian Snoddy , Ben Wootten
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players take on classic Western hero roles like Law Man or Gunslinger to explore dark mines filled with ancient demons and creatures. The game combines dice rolling, modular boards, and a card-driven exploration system for varied adventures. Between missions, players upgrade their gear and develop their heroes. The setting mixes the Old West with supernatural horror in a campaign-driven structure.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players who enjoy cooperative, tactical adventures. It supports 1 to 4 players, including solo play. With about 120 minutes duration and complex rules, it demands patience and prior board gaming experience. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
How It Works
Players choose characters with variable powers and move on a modular grid board. Dice rolling resolves combat and events. Exploration is card-driven, with players cooperating against horror-themed threats. A campaign system allows heroes to be upgraded and equipped between adventures.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jason C. Hill, this 2014 game was nominated for Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game and Best Thematic Board Game. It uniquely blends Western and horror themes with deep campaign mechanics. It’s part of the Shadows of Brimstone series and uses miniatures.
Awards
2014
Pro
- Cooperative gameplay for 1-4 players including solo mode
- Diverse character classes with variable powers
- Modular board ensures high replayability
- Deep campaign system with character progression
Contra
- Long playtime around 120 minutes requires patience
- Complex rules can overwhelm new players
- Theme and difficulty not ideal for younger families
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the American Old West, the game immerses players in a dark world where ancient frozen cities and mechanical guardians await in haunted mines.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to learn the game and focus on understanding the campaign and dice mechanics together.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients includes a solo mode for single players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical session lasts about 120 minutes, plus setup and explanation time.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is aimed at experienced players familiar with cooperative and campaign games.
How does this compare to similar games?
It uniquely combines Western and horror themes with a deep campaign mechanic setting it apart from other dungeon crawlers.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and theme, it’s more suitable for players aged 12 and older rather than as a family game.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of cooperative play, modular board, dice rolling, and variable player powers defines its gameplay.
Fazit
Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients is recommended for players seeking cooperative dungeon-crawling with Western horror flavor. Its complexity may challenge newcomers.
