Will there be official rule changes?

[YaiHar]

I see that players in this forum are discussing issues with the game and making suggestions for changes.

For example, many players have agreed that the Nemesis is too weak, and one post mentioned a new rule which makes it illegal to build a wall at the edge of the board so that your leader can't be captured.

Are the official rules all finalized, or will there be changes? Will they be implemented here on BGA? (I might pick the Nemesis if it could move 3 steps instead of two )

[CastorT]

Hey Thanks for the questions. There are 2 topics here: the general rules and the Nemesis.

The general rules won't change. We just plan to do an addition for players who are into competitive play. This one is called the Barrage Rule and concern cases where a player make a wall that can't be over-passed. This rules will soon be effective in tournaments, BGA and explained on the official website for players to decide if they want to use it. For now, we don't plan to add it right to the printed rule book as it covers an edge case that happens too rarely for beginners and add complexity for a first experience that doesn't need some.

For the Nemesis, indeed this character is barely played. It still conserves the use case for which it was designed (counter any leader aggro strategy) but it is not enough to make it a fun playable character, in this meta or another. Hence we are considering an alternative ability. This one still requires playtests. It will be reveal only if we find a version that checks all marks. Regarding how this update will happen if it has to, this is not a topic open for discussion right now. We have some idea, but are moving step by step.

[YaiHar]

Hey Thanks for the questions. There are 2 topics here: the general rules and the Nemesis.

The general rules won't change. We just plan to do an addition for players who are into competitive play. This one is called the Barrage Rule and concern cases where a player make a wall that can't be over-passed. This rules will soon be effective in tournaments, BGA and explained on the official website for players to decide if they want to use it. For now, we don't plan to add it right to the printed rule book as it covers an edge case that happens too rarely for beginners and add complexity for a first experience that doesn't need some.

For the Nemesis, indeed this character is barely played. It still conserves the use case for which it was designed (counter any leader aggro strategy) but it is not enough to make it a fun playable character, in this meta or another. Hence we are considering an alternative ability. This one still requires playtests. It will be reveal only if we find a version that checks all marks. Regarding how this update will happen if it has to, this is not a topic open for discussion right now. We have some idea, but are moving step by step.

Thank you for replying! You've created a masterpiece of a game. With or without any changes to the Nemesis, this is a classic!

[Serewa]

You can allow Nemesis to move 1 on its owner's turn. This will be a powerful character.

Alternatively, you can leave it as is, but allow Nemesis to fly/ghost through characters for 2 hexes.

[CastorT]

Hi Serewa Nice ideas, great findings. Those are some we did explore.

After some playtests, the first option is balanced, but lacks personality. It makes the Nemesis moves 1, and sometimes 2, a bit like the Rider. So, balanced, but not that exciting to play against.

For the second option, it was one of the first reworks we looked at. Clearly better than the original version. Only problem: still too weak. The Nemesis remains a dead pawn most of the time.

We are exploring other versions. Always trying to keep what makes the Nemesis unique.

Feel free to join the Discord to interact with the community.
For more content like puzzles, FAQ and events, check the website.

[Serewa]

Hi Serewa Nice ideas, great findings. Those are some we did explore.

After some playtests, the first option is balanced, but lacks personality. It makes the Nemesis moves 1, and sometimes 2, a bit like the Rider. So, balanced, but not that exciting to play against.

For the second option, it was one of the first reworks we looked at. Clearly better than the original version. Only problem: still too weak. The Nemesis remains a dead pawn most of the time.

We are exploring other versions. Always trying to keep what makes the Nemesis unique.

Feel free to join the Discord to interact with the community.
For more content like puzzles, FAQ and events, check the website.

Okay. Here's another idea. She moves like she does now on 2 hexes, but... pay attention... don't dismiss it outright. She can move outside the board, continuing her movement on the other side of the map on the same line.
Recall Scorpions shade from MK2.

1. The roleplay is that she appears behind you and acts a lot like a ghost.
2. Balanced, she closes the distance quickly.
3. She's not too overpowered because after quickly closing in, she can slow down but still be in the thick of things.
4. In long distant games she may move back to switch position again instead of following.
5. She can watch you from far away at opposite border just hunting to last switch killer jump.
4. She has a completely unique behavior.

This isn't a crazy idea. Similar things exist in board games, like Ahoy.