Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City Board Game Review

Hey there, Cyberpunk enthusiasts! Get ready to dive into the gritty world of Night City with Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City, the new board game from CMON Games. While the Cyberpunk Red miniatures game focused on street battles, this board game takes a different approach, emphasizing strategy and territory control.

This game builds on the foundation of the 2017 title Godfather: Corleone’s Empire, adding new elements and tweaks to create a fresh gaming experience. If you’re a fan of CMON Games’ past hits like Zombicide and Blood Rage, you’ll definitely want to check out Gangs of Night City.

Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City offers fast-paced gameplay where players take turns performing actions to secure territory and complete objectives. With different unit types and strategic paths to explore, every decision counts in the battle for dominance.

Gameplay Overview

Each player’s turn in Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City involves choosing up to two actions to perform by managing tokens on their player board. From upgrading combat decks to securing territory, every move is crucial to success. The game’s action system challenges players to decide when to recall and reset their tokens, dictating the pace and aggression of the gameplay.

While the game’s mechanics are relatively easy to grasp for seasoned board gamers, new players may find the learning curve steep due to the intricacies of unit types and their associated behaviors. However, with a few plays under your belt, you’ll quickly get the hang of it.

Combat and Upgrades

Combat in Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City is swift and brutal, emphasizing technology over brute strength. Players select cards secretly, with the highest strength card winning the combat and triggering scoring benefits. Upgrading combat decks involves strategic choices, keeping the gameplay dynamic and engaging.

Upgrades and combat resolutions in the game are efficient and impactful, ensuring that every decision you make has consequences. While the narrative elements of the game may feel somewhat thin, the game’s focus on strategy and mechanics keeps the pace lively.

Story System and Expansions

One of the standout features of Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City is its story system, adding narrative scenarios that enhance gameplay and introduce new rules. While the game may feel slightly lacking in narrative depth, the story system injects much-needed fiction into the experience.

It’s worth noting that additional content, mostly exclusive to a previous crowdfunding campaign, may limit some players’ access to expansions. However, the base game offers a substantial and engaging strategy experience that stands on its own.

Cyberpunk 2077: Gangs of Night City may not reach the heights of CMON’s flagship titles, but its unique gameplay and solid mechanics make it a standout in the board game world. Fans of Cyberpunk lore and strategy games alike will find plenty to enjoy in this tabletop adventure.