Guards of Atlantis II is a team-based, competitive board game that distills the essence of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) video games into a tabletop experience.
Players assume the roles of unique heroes, each with distinct abilities, working together to outmaneuver and outfight the opposing team. The primary objective is to strategically push waves of minions toward the enemy’s base, achieving victory through area control, tactical combat, and effective team coordination.
Pros
- Deep Strategic Gameplay: The game offers a rich tactical experience, requiring players to carefully plan their moves, anticipate opponents’ actions, and coordinate with teammates. The absence of luck-based mechanics ensures that outcomes are determined by skill and strategy.
- Diverse Hero Selection: With 22 unique heroes, each possessing distinct abilities and playstyles, the game provides extensive replayability and encourages players to explore various team compositions and strategies.
- Streamlined Mechanics: The simultaneous action selection and card-driven system facilitate smooth gameplay, reducing downtime and keeping all players engaged throughout the match.
- High-Quality Components: The game features well-crafted miniatures and a visually appealing game board, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve: The game’s depth and complexity can be daunting for newcomers, particularly those unfamiliar with MOBA mechanics or team-based strategy games. A thorough understanding of each hero’s abilities and effective team coordination are crucial for success, which may require multiple playthroughs to master.
- Player Count Dependency: Guards of Atlantis II is best experienced with higher player counts (ideally 4 to 10 players). While it can accommodate smaller groups, the game truly shines when played with larger teams, which may pose a challenge for groups with limited players.
- Time Investment: Sessions can last between 90 to 120 minutes, and the need for strategic planning and coordination can extend playtime, potentially deterring players seeking shorter, more casual gaming experiences.
Comparison to Similar Games
- Cloudspire: Both games translate MOBA elements into board game form, emphasizing strategic depth and unique faction abilities. Cloudspire incorporates tower defense mechanics and offers a solo mode, providing a different strategic experience compared to the team-based, hero-focused combat of Guards of Atlantis II.
- Rum & Bones: This pirate-themed MOBA board game shares similarities in team-based combat and hero abilities. However, Guards of Atlantis II distinguishes itself with its card-driven, zero-luck system, offering a more deterministic and strategy-focused gameplay experience.
- League of Legends: Mechs vs. Minions: Both games draw inspiration from MOBA video games, featuring programmable movement and cooperative gameplay. Mechs vs. Minions leans towards a cooperative, campaign-driven experience, whereas Guards of Atlantis II focuses on competitive team-based battles with greater emphasis on player-versus-player interaction.
Final Thoughts
Guards of Atlantis II successfully captures the strategic depth and team coordination central to MOBA games, delivering a rich and engaging tabletop experience. Its diverse hero roster and deterministic mechanics provide a rewarding challenge for players seeking a deep, strategy-intensive game.
However, the steep learning curve and optimal player count requirements may limit its accessibility for more casual gaming groups. For enthusiasts of team-based strategy games and MOBA fans, Guards of Atlantis II offers a compelling and immersive experience that stands out in the genre.
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