Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients

Flying Frog Productions · Board game · 2014
1–4 · best 4 Solo 120 min Weight 3.4/5
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.9 rating BGG
Buy
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're into a 'dungeon crawl' with a unique theme and tons of replayability, Shadows of Brimstone is for you! A deep dive into the Old West with cosmic horror.

Highlights
  • Immersive and addictive campaign
  • Dynamic procedural exploration
  • Amazing detailed miniatures
  • Deep character progression
  • Old West + Horror theme
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime potential
  • Rules can be complex
  • High language dependency
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Howdy, partner! Get ready for a thrilling cooperative adventure in Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients, where the Old West meets unspeakable cosmic horror. Imagine yourself as a tough Law Man, a quick-drawing Gunslinger, or a fearless Saloon Girl, forming your posse to descend into dark mines, infested with ancient demons and creatures from another world. It's a true dungeon crawl that will hook you from start to finish!

With tactical gameplay that uses plenty of dice and a super robust card-driven exploration system, every game is a new experience. You never know what you'll find: new enemies to send to hell, treasures to loot, or dangers that will test your courage. And the icing on the cake? You might even find portals that take you to other worlds, continuing your journey in completely different settings, like the Plains of Targa, where an ancient frozen city holds secrets and unfriendly mechanical keepers.

But the fun doesn't stop there! The game features an exciting campaign system that allows you and your group to visit frontier towns between missions. There, you can spend that hard-earned loot, equip your heroes with fantastic artifacts, and, of course, evolve your characters. Each adventure earns experience, which you use to level up and unlock new skills in class-specific upgrade trees. This way, you mold your hero to fit your playstyle. And if you have a big group, you can combine it with Shadows of Brimstone: Swamps of Death to play with up to 6 people. So, load your six-shooter, adjust your hat, and gather the posse, because all hell's about to break loose in the Shadows of Brimstone!
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In English

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Game details

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Category: Dungeon Crawler Components: Miniatures Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Game: Shadows of Brimstone History: American Old West (Wild West) Mechanism: Campaign Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Theme: Mining
Publisher Flying Frog Productions
Designer Jason C. Hill
Artist Ben Wootten, Brian Snoddy, Gaël Goumon, Jack Scott Hill, Ralph Horsley, Tomasz Jedruszek
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients?
The base game supports 1 to 4 players. If you combine it with the Swamps of Death core set, you can play with up to 6 people, further expanding your posse!
What is the average playtime?
Get ready for a robust session! A game can take from 120 to 180 minutes, depending on the scenario and the depth of exploration. It's a game to dedicate a good chunk of time to.
Is it a complex game for beginners?
It has a medium-high complexity (BGG weight 3.38/5). The rules are detailed, and the campaign system adds layers, so it might require some dedication during the first few plays. But the reward is great!
Do I need expansions for the full experience?
No! City of the Ancients is a complete core box and offers hours of fun on its own. Expansions merely add more content, monsters, classes, and worlds to explore, but they are not essential to start.
Are the components of good quality?
Yes, the game is renowned for its detailed and high-quality miniatures, as well as a well-illustrated modular board and many cards. It's a visual treat for those who enjoy games with strong 'table presence'.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's perfect for fans of dungeon crawlers, cooperative games, and those looking for an immersive campaign experience with character progression. If you love Old West themes with a supernatural twist and don't mind a longer game, you'll love it!
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely! Shadows of Brimstone: City of the Ancients offers a robust solo mode, allowing you to explore the mines and face the horrors of the Old West on your own. Great for when your group isn't available.