by Xeserox
After a month away from the game, it was time to open the box once again. The excitement of the new faction now upon us, and the joy of seeing what the new events would start to do to the game. Also, would the world capital be placed?Mutants Northern Europe: Josh (Looking to see if he can pull off what Luke did)
Aliens Alien Island: Mike (taking the new faction for a spin)
Saharan Republic Western US: Stephen
Die Mechaniker Central Africa: Eric (Going to the old favorite)
Imperial Balkania Peru: Luke (Going to the old favorite)
After the first round of expansion, Stephen proved to make a large mistake by poking Luke in S. America. In fact, Luke was tempted waging war right away against Eric, to keep him from Turtling up in Africa, and doing what worked for him for two wins. When Stephen attacked Venezuela, he didn't think he would incur the wrath of Luke.
It didn't take long until Luke found himself with Stephen's capital. Which proved to be a back and forth battle for many rounds. This weakened Stephen more and more.
Mike though, was keeping quiet and expanding quickly. First taking all of Australia, which has 2 major cities and a minor city. Then Mike started making his march up through Asia. Most of the Alien events were coming up, and the population events making Mike stronger and stronger. He did all this without a single combat roll. Which makes it all the more impressive.
Eric, seeing that Mike was going to get the Asian continent bonus +1 since he named it, decided to attack the Middle East forcing Mike into his first combat and a losing combat. The gates were open for an all out attack on the Aliens. Though the mutants continued to ignore them.
Luke, while keeping Stephen at bay, and holding the capital firmly, decided to trade in cards, for a large reinforcement which spawned an attack from Argentina to the Alien Island. Winning that, Luke ended up with 3 Capitals and was close to victory. sadly though, Mike was not having any of it, launching his own offensive to take back the Alien Island.
Josh, who was just doing a battle here, and a battle there, decided to prove a worth adversary. Trading in resource cards himself, amassed his armies in the Eastern portion of Europe starting his march. First, he took Alaska for the bio-hazard spot, and then decided that Luke was to much of a risk. he took Stephen's capital away from Luke and left Stephen with one region left. No comeback powers for Saharan Republic either.
Then, Josh cut through Eric, down into Australia, taking the bonus from Mike, and getting the third bio-hazard for the red star. Then, when it came time to collect his card, there was nothing on the board for him to take, forcing him to take the last resource coin, giving him his 4 star and the win, much to everyone's surprise.
Josh decided to cancel the bio-hazard scar in Australia to make it easier for the Mutants to get that red star.