Rum & Bones: Second Tide

Rum & Bones: Second Tide is a fantastic pirate-themed board game that captures the thrill of a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) in a tabletop experience. As a fan of pirate games and tabletop strategy, I was immediately drawn to this game, and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations.

The game is easy to learn, thanks to its familiar Zombicide-inspired combat and turn order system. My partner and I picked it up after only a couple of sessions, and the games were consistently fast-paced and close, ensuring that neither side felt disadvantaged.

The two pirate factions, the Deep Lords and the Marea de la Muerte, are well-balanced and offer unique playstyles. While the Deep Lords initially seemed a bit overpowered with their Kraken attacks, I found that a well-timed strategic move could easily turn the tide. The hero minis are a bit bigger than 28mm, which is great for collectors, and the detail on the figures is fantastic.

One thing that stood out to me was the "dynamic Leveling System." As you earn coins by defeating enemies and completing objectives, you can upgrade your heroes' skills, adding an exciting layer of strategic depth and replayability. I also appreciated the "Alternating Activation" mechanic, which forces players to react to each other's moves, keeping the game dynamic and engaging.

While I enjoyed the game, I do have some minor gripes. The rulebook could be a bit more clear, and there are a few mechanics that I'm still unsure about. Also, while the game is enjoyable, it can be a bit luck-dependent at times, which can be frustrating when you get unlucky rolls. The game components are generally excellent, but I experienced some minor damage to my box, which was disappointing.

Overall, Rum & Bones: Second Tide is a high-quality, engaging game that I highly recommend to fans of pirate games, MOBAs, and tabletop strategy. The unique gameplay, customizable heroes, and fast-paced battles make it a truly enjoyable experience. I can't wait to try the expansions and explore the different factions and heroes they offer.