by Joe Dizzy
Joe Dizzy wrote:
I've played with the Maximum Chrome edition, but only have the base box here.
Personally, I'd go (and will, too) with Carnage at Devil's Run first as it fleshes out the base game nicely with more variety in the tracks, as well as new hazards and the option to have the car be on fire. Followed by Choppe Shoppe which adds individualized options to each player, giving some more depth to the decision-making. Finally, Big Rig and the Final Five adds two sets of new models, and the option to expand player count. Personally, I enjoyed the game at three and it really clicked at 4, I'm not sure if a fifth player is particularly necassry. But the models are very reminiscent of the movies the game is inspired by, so for questions of flavor alone, this might top a lot of people's lists. But it's the one I find least appealing.
Personally, I'd go (and will, too) with Carnage at Devil's Run first as it fleshes out the base game nicely with more variety in the tracks, as well as new hazards and the option to have the car be on fire. Followed by Choppe Shoppe which adds individualized options to each player, giving some more depth to the decision-making. Finally, Big Rig and the Final Five adds two sets of new models, and the option to expand player count. Personally, I enjoyed the game at three and it really clicked at 4, I'm not sure if a fifth player is particularly necassry. But the models are very reminiscent of the movies the game is inspired by, so for questions of flavor alone, this might top a lot of people's lists. But it's the one I find least appealing.
Having just gotten back from another game, this time using most of the expansions, I have to slightly amend my original post.
Carnage at Devil's Run is a must-have. While the other expansions add fun and cool new options, Carnage at Devil's Run (apart from having the most kick-ass cover art, and most stylish name) adds much needed variety to the game. Without it, the base game loses narrative steam too quickly. The difference in feel going from 5 double-sided road tiles to 10, in addition to doubling the number of possible hazards is huge. There's just so much more excitement to flipping over a hazard tile, which makes racing across the track so much crazier. Ramps, the fire die, the desert glass and the rest add so much more chaos and suprises to every race.
We've also added the Final Five, which I wasn't too keen on with four players. I can imagine it being really exciting with five players, but at four the table soon realised we had to focus most of our attacks and chopper action on the bikes, as it was really difficult to keep them in check otherwise. It changes the dynamic of the game noticably, and I'm not sure we needed it at this point. Maybe a few dozen plays down the line, but not right now.
We also used the leaders from Choppe Shoppe, and again I can see why people like them. They add some mechanical variety, which is great, but this game has a very strong narrative (or thematic) element to it. One that is better served with things players can react to, as opposed to things players can do on their turn. A great addition if you feel the game is a little too shallow mechanically, but not necessarily if you want more memorable moments happening at the table, IMO.
The extra ammo deck, we haven't used yet, but I can see this being able to tide us over, until I can get my hands on Carnage at Devil's Run. The only expansion I'm currently F5-ing my browser every morning, hoping it will show up in some store in Germany. It's just that essential, I think, and I really wish it had been part of the base game. I'm counting the days until the expansion makes its way to Europe (or at least to Spiel in Essen). 😄