Aftermath is a cooperative adventure board game designed by Jerry Hawthorne and published by Plaid Hat Games. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have mysteriously disappeared, players take on the roles of small critters trying to survive in the ruins of human civilization. They must explore, scavenge for resources, complete missions, and protect their colony from threats. The game combines narrative storytelling, strategic gameplay, and tactical combat.
Game Concept: Aftermath
Components
Game Board and Maps:
- Modular map tiles represent different locations in the world of Aftermath. These maps change depending on the mission, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving game board.
Character Cards:
- Each player controls a unique critter with its own abilities, stats, and starting equipment. Characters have health, energy, and special actions that can influence gameplay.
Action Decks:
- Players use action cards to perform various actions like moving, attacking, scavenging, and interacting with the environment. Each character has a unique action deck tailored to their abilities.
Story Book:
- A narrative guide that directs players through the game's missions. It includes story elements, mission objectives, setup instructions, and outcomes based on player decisions.
Threat Track and Tokens:
- The threat track represents the level of danger the critters face. Threat tokens can be used to introduce new enemies, hazards, or increase the difficulty of the mission.
Miniatures:
- Miniatures represent the critters and enemies on the board, enhancing the visual and thematic aspects of the game.
Resource Tokens:
- Various tokens represent resources such as food, scrap, and medicine. Players must manage these resources to keep their colony alive.
Dice:
- Dice are used to resolve combat, skill checks, and other random events during gameplay.
Rulebook and Mission Guide:
- The comprehensive guide detailing rules, gameplay mechanics, and setup for each mission.
Setup
Select Mission:
- Choose a mission from the storybook. Each mission has unique setup instructions, objectives, and outcomes.
Prepare Map:
- Arrange the map tiles as indicated in the mission setup. Place terrain features, obstacles, and mission-specific items on the map.
Select Characters:
- Each player chooses a critter to control. Place the character's miniature on the starting location and set up their starting action deck and equipment.
Prepare Threat Track:
- Set the threat track to the starting level as indicated by the mission. Place any threat tokens or enemy miniatures on the board as instructed.
Resource Pool:
- Set up the resource pool with food, scrap, and medicine tokens. This is shared by the players to manage throughout the mission.
Gameplay Overview
Aftermath is played over a series of turns, with each player taking their turn in a specific order. The game involves exploration, combat, and strategic management of resources.
Player Turn:
- Each player takes turns performing actions using their action cards. Actions include moving, attacking, scavenging, and interacting with objects. Players can perform actions in any order until they run out of cards or choose to end their turn.
Movement and Exploration:
- Players move their miniatures across the map, exploring new areas. Movement may uncover new threats, resources, or mission objectives. Players must navigate obstacles and terrain features strategically.
Combat:
- When encountering enemies, players engage in combat using their action cards and dice. Combat is resolved using a combination of card abilities and dice rolls. Success or failure in combat can affect the outcome of the mission.
Scavenging and Resource Management:
- Scavenging is a crucial part of the game. Players search for food, scrap, and other resources needed to complete the mission and support their colony. Resources are limited, so players must use them wisely.
Threat and Enemies:
- The threat track indicates the danger level. As the threat increases, more enemies may appear, and existing enemies become more aggressive. Players must manage the threat level to avoid being overwhelmed.
Mission Objectives:
- Each mission has specific objectives that must be completed to advance the story. Objectives can include tasks like gathering resources, defeating enemies, or exploring certain areas.
End of Turn and Cleanup:
- After all players have taken their turns, the round ends. Resolve any end-of-round effects, draw new action cards, and update the threat track if necessary.
End of Mission:
- The mission ends when players complete the objectives or fail by depleting their resources, losing all characters, or other mission-specific conditions. The storybook will guide the outcome and direct players to the next mission.
Rules
Action Cards:
- Action cards are the core of a player's turn. Each card can be used for specific actions such as moving, attacking, or performing special abilities. Cards also have values that determine success in skill checks and combat.
Skill Checks:
- Some actions require skill checks. To perform a skill check, play an action card and roll dice. The result is compared to a target number to determine success or failure.
Combat:
- During combat, players use action cards to attack enemies. Resolve attacks by playing cards and rolling dice to determine damage and effects. Enemies also attack during their turn based on predefined behavior patterns.
Threat Track:
- The threat track increases as certain actions are taken (e.g., making noise, failing skill checks). High threat levels can trigger enemy spawns or increase enemy aggression.
Resource Management:
- Resources like food, scrap, and medicine are essential for survival. Players must collect and use these resources to keep their characters healthy and support their colony.
Colony Phase:
- Between missions, players return to their colony to rest, heal, and spend resources on upgrades. The state of the colony can affect future missions and the overall story.
Campaign Mode:
- Aftermath can be played as a campaign, with the story unfolding over multiple missions. The outcomes of each mission can affect the overall narrative and the state of the colony.
FAQ
Can I play Aftermath solo?
- Yes, Aftermath can be played solo. In solo mode, you control multiple characters to tackle the mission objectives on your own.
What happens if a character is defeated?
- If a character's health reaches zero, they are defeated. The storybook or mission guide will provide specific instructions on what happens next, such as respawning or mission failure.
How does the threat track affect gameplay?
- The threat track represents the level of danger in the game. As the threat increases, more enemies may appear, and encounters become more challenging. Managing the threat level is key to success.
Can players trade resources during the game?
- Yes, players can trade resources with each other as long as they are in the same location. This allows players to share essential items and support each other's actions.
Is there a time limit for completing missions?
- Some missions may have a time limit or other conditions that pressure players to complete objectives quickly. The storybook will indicate if a mission has specific time constraints.
What is the colony phase?
- Between missions, players enter the colony phase, where they can rest, heal, and spend resources to improve their colony. The state of the colony can affect future missions, offering upgrades and advantages.
How do event cards work in the game?
- Event cards introduce unexpected elements during gameplay, such as changes to the map, new threats, or story developments. They add variety and challenge to each playthrough.
Can I use the same character throughout the campaign?
- Yes, characters can be used throughout the campaign. Their progress, health, and equipment carry over between missions, allowing them to grow and adapt as the story unfolds.
What happens if we fail a mission?
- If you fail a mission, the storybook will guide you on how to proceed. Some missions may have consequences for failure, affecting future missions or the state of the colony.
How does cooperative play work in Aftermath?
- In cooperative play, players work together to achieve mission objectives. They can share resources, support each other in combat, and strategize as a team to overcome challenges.
Aftermath is a richly thematic and narrative-driven game that offers a mix of adventure, strategy, and storytelling. With its engaging campaign mode and cooperative gameplay, it provides an immersive experience for players as they explore a post-apocalyptic world from the perspective of small yet brave critters.