Following on from the excellent @Dungeondive overview of the game, I raced to pick up a copy before they were all sold out.
Overall its a fine game and one i really wanted to love. Just a few too many times I was left wondering what the rules meant, and how specific cards in my hand should play out. Nevertheless, it never fails to generate an intriguing cyberpunk narrative.
Civitas Nihilium would benefit greatly from a 2nd Edition with the following possible improvements:
a tweak in graphic design that makes the cards more legible; green on black in a stylish font can be hard on the eyes
an overhaul of directives on cards to standardise the rules language and a corresponding update to the rule book
some balancing to curb the wild swings in outcomes (sometimes I have no cards at all and at other times 20+ cards!)
better card quality; a lot of warping – would prefer half the witnesses in exchange for better card stock
This really is an amazing game. One of the best I’ve played all year. With the right seeding, it can generate some super interesting and engaging stories.
In case it’s useful to anyone, I did get a Setup/Rules Reference posted to the files section of BGG. It won’t replace the rulebook in totality, but it can get you through most games, I reckon:
I recommend watching the hopeless guys play this game. It seems the way to play this is to house rule it and play around with the narrative side of things!
