I love the design, but after playing a few games on the 'fixed' map I still see a large advantage for the first player. If they play optimally, it takes some really bad rolls on their part and some God like dice along with perfect strategy on the empire's side. Really wish I had a good suggestion to balance this board as I think it looks really good. Also wish there was a little better visual as to what can reinforce to where. Gets confusing in the middle of the game.
Exciting board that combines a lot of elements but does so very nicely. One thing I've noticed is the continent bonuses don't usually seem to come into play. The strategy revolves strongly around the capitals.
Fun board but Oatworm is correct in that it is much better when you play with fog. Very important to understand the way bonuses work to determine which territories are best for you to target.
I have yet to try the quick elimination strategy. All the games I've won have been by taking a UFO on the first turn and slowly grinding out a unit advantage. Love the idea but think it really needs something to make it less grindy.
Very interesting game play. Lots of strategy regarding when to continue attacking up the mountain and when to fority you base. Works best with 4-5 players.
Even the "fixed" version doesn't seem to be completely balanced. While it does allow more chances for the first player to make a mistake to lose the game. The fortifying can take a lot to get used to. I suggest anyone that wants to try this board watch multiple replays of existing games first.
I feel like the card scale on this game makes to much of the strategy on the board irrelevant. It seems like the entire game rests on being able to hold out just long enough till you can start a chain of elimination using the cards from one to fuel the next.
It's a fast paced map that rewards aggressive play. However, high unit count and heavy fog tend to turn it into a run away for one person who just gets lucky not to get attacked. That said I really like the chose your starting position aspect.