# Smash Up: Cease and Desist

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2016
- **BGG Rating**: 7.4
- **BGG Rank**: #2255
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2+)
- **Duration**: 45 min
- **Weight**: 2.29 / 5
- **Designers**: Paul Peterson
- **Artists**: Alberto Tavira, Francisco Rico Torres
- **Publishers**: Alderac Entertainment Group, Pegasus Spiele, uplay.it edizioni
- **Categories**: Card Game, Fantasy
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Card Play Conflict Resolution, Deck Construction, Hand Management, Open Drafting, Take That, Variable Player Powers, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
If you love card duels with sci‑fi and fantasy themes, Smash Up: Cease and Desist will hook you in 45 minutes of pure fun.Epic faction combosTake That mechanicEngaging deck building2‑player onlyModerate timeHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Smash Up: Cease and Desist is the expansion that brings four themed factions with references to iconic universes: Astroknights (inspired by Star Wars), Changerbots (Transformers), Star Roamers (Star Trek) and Ignobles (Game of Thrones). Each faction has 22 cards, totaling 88 high‑quality illustrated cards with distinct mechanics. The goal remains the same as the Smash Up series: control battle bases using your cards to attack, defend and manipulate the board. To play, simply shuffle two factions of your choice – they can come from different expansions – and build a 20‑card deck. During play, each player starts with five cards in hand and attempts to capture the opponent’s bases, using attack, area control and support cards. The “Take That” mechanic adds an element of surprise, allowing you to remove an opponent’s card or block their play. The game is balanced, with each faction bringing unique abilities that require different strategies. The average playtime is 45 minutes and the game is perfect for two‑player duels, but it can be combined with other expansions for up to four players. The visual design is vibrant, with comic‑style illustrations that evoke animation, while the “Deck Construction” and “Open Drafting” mechanics ensure each game feels fresh. If you love card games with sci‑fi or fantasy themes and enjoy mixing strategies, Smash Up: Cease and Desist is a fun and challenging pick.\n\nIf you’re already a Smash Up fan, you’ll love the new Astroknights faction, which brings an epic aesthetic and area‑control mechanics. For those wanting something different, the Changerbots faction offers swap and resource‑manipulation cards that change the game’s pace. In short, the expansion broadens combo variety and keeps the fun alive, letting even seasoned players find new ways to win.

## FAQ
### What is the average game duration?
A typical game lasts between 35 and 45 minutes, depending on faction combos and player pace.

### Can I play with more than two players?
Yes, by combining with other Smash Up expansions, the game can accommodate up to four players.

### What factions are included in this expansion?
Astroknights, Changerbots, Star Roamers and Ignobles, each with 22 cards.

### Do I need any other expansion to play?
No, Smash Up: Cease and Desist works on its own as a two‑player game, but it can be mixed with other expansions.

### How does the Take That mechanic work?
When a player plays a Take That card, they can remove or block the opponent’s action, adding surprise and strategy.

### What is the complexity level?
Medium; it requires attention to deck building and area control, but is accessible to beginners and challenging for veterans.

## Price Comparison
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- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 22.60 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=566641&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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