In Other News - CATAN, Root expansion, Batman, Pathfinder Arena, Star Wars
CATAN are offering a free print-and-play, slimmed down version of their award-winning game in a more accessible version under the guise of CATAN – First Adventure. Players can download the PDF and get crafting to create a playable game in around an hour using only scissors, glue, and light cardboard along with the printed PDF. An instructional video is also available.
A new expansion for Root entitled Militants is in the works according to a recent designer chat on Twitch between Cole Wehrl and Patrick Leder. It will be launched on Kickstarter in Q1 of 2021, and aims to improve the 2-player game experience. They spoke of a defensive Turtle faction and aggressive Rat faction which could be added. Of course, everything they spoke of is subject to change but if you're a fan of the franchise its worth a listen as they share more information.
Cryptozoic Entertainment have announced Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Board Game designed by Daryl Andrews and Morgan Dontanville. Interestingly, this will be a purely solitaire game! The player assumes the role of The Batman who has returned from retirement to a grittier Gotham City. Relentless tides of ruthless mutants, cops, and press are looking to bring down The Batman in a game of attrition where an old Batman fights to survive one final gauntlet facing both old and new villains such as Two Face, Billy Berserk, The Joker, and even Superman. It will be playable as standalone missions or as an epic story with results of missions affecting each other. Expect it on Kickstarter in early 2021.
In yet more news of upcoming Kickstarters, Pathfinder Arena has been announced by Giochi Uniti. It’s a competitive board game set in the world of the Pathfinder roleplaying game where monsters and heroes clash in epic battles in a labyrinth. Expect highly detailed miniatures of both the heroes and monsters. Players can gain experience, level up, and access powerful equipment, skills, and magic spells while monsters rise in number and power. Summoned monsters will never leave their initial spot though players can change the board’s layout.
Asmodee have announced that its three Star Wars miniatures titles, currently published by Fantasy Flight Games, will be moving to a dedicated miniatures games studio, Atomic Mass Games. Affected properties include Star Wars: X-Wing, Star Wars: Legion, and Star Wars: Armada. More details can be found on the Fantasy Flight Games site.
