This expansion set of Smash Up is a very special set. Released all the way back in 2016, the creators of Smash Up created a public vote. It was incredible at the time. I remember it well and cast my votes to influence the choices to come through. There were so many good choices to pick from. It wasn’t even remotely worrying though for the ones that would miss out, you knew there was every chance they would come around down the line in another expansion.
When the votes were completed this left us with 5 new factions to add into the game. That’s right, 5! Typically an expansion set added 4 new factions but they made one more in this set and we were all very thankful for it. There was another 2 player game created here and plenty of new content to add into the Smash Up saga.
The rules overview
I’ve written so many times on Smash Up before and discussed the rules that they are available to find in my other blogs. That being said, the Smash Up rules are so simple, it is a very easy game to pick up but has huge depth with the content contained within.
A game for 2-4 people, or just 2 if you are using an expansion set only. Players pick 2 factions and smash them together to form a unique combination. Bases are played in the middle of the table top which hold scores on them, it is up to the players to break the bases and release these scores. This is completed through minion power, the most power collects the top score working back down. The first player to 15 collects the victory.
Turn play is simple. Play a minion, play an action. That is all. Then check for broken bases (is there enough minions on the base with a combined power to break and release the score?). Score the bases if so, then draw 2 new cards. Players start with 5 cards at the beginning of the game. No more than 10 cards in a hand.
Sounds simple but the complexity comes in with the unique content on each card and the devil is in the detail, which is what makes the game so awesome.
With that, let’s check out the factions within this set.
Dragons
A very powerful set, the dragons are excellent for trashing bases and gaining those scores. They have a real significant focus on bases with plenty of action cards that are “play on bases”. Some enhance your minions and others weaken opposing minions and players in general. This is epitomized by the Great Wyrm, the power 5 dragon that sees all other players get 1 less VP when a base breaks and scores that it is present at. I’d hate the Dragons to be paired with Zombies and going against them.
Mythic Greeks
Another faction built of 10 minions and 10 actions cards that are incredibly tough. Let’s face it, when the Spartans are getting rolled out against you, you know you are going to be in for a tough time. They bring additional power blended with actions and they arguably get stronger and stronger as the game progresses. The Spartans gain a +1 power counter (ongoing) for the first action card played on a turn! The action cards are also very clever and built around some of the popular Greek Gods and they are right on point, The Favor of Zeus for example lowering the break point of a base by 5, no doubt because it just got trashed by his lightning bolts. I like the Mythic Greeks.
Sharks
Sharks have been described as the most perfect killing machines, and that is what the creators have gone for with this one as their focus is purely on destroying the opposing minions. It is a bit ridiculous in many respects. They just want to demolish the opponents but it can cause problems as you do need power to break bases and score points. They are a faction that really frustrate their opposition, but I really enjoy playing them and it could well be for that reason. They do need the right partner though as they could be described as a bit of a one trick pony with limited strategy.
Superheroes
Long before the Marvel Smash up was released the creators dabbled with Superheros and quite rightly because they are a must inclusion in such a game. Just the 9 minions here and 11 actions create a bit of unbalance but that is due to them having 4nr power 5 minions and then 5nr 2 power minions. They are tough, strong and mobile and do not die easily, not least because you can destroy your own power 2 mild mannered citizen minions to bring your strong superheroes from your discard pile and into play. They are relentless. If they get partnered with a faction like the Princesses I fear they are near unstoppable. Another faction I love to use and hate to go against.
Tornadoes
This is one of the most fun factions to use as it is ridiculous. The faction is extreme weather and really does make a splendid mess of everything. They just chuck minions all over the place in the game, create chaos and it is great. They are likely to be a faction that is harder to win with, but you will have more fun than all the others at the table. The power 5 Monster Tornado has the talent of moving a power 4 or less minion to another base or bringing one to the base it is on. They are just bonkers and will ruin the strategies of others so quickly.
Final thoughts
It has been a long time since I have written about Smash Up for Zatu so this has felt a treat. It has been great. This expansion is also great, adding some incredible factions into an amazing game, some of my favourite factions for sure. 5 very different factions again, with many differences from all other sets again, the creators do exceptional work of creating the identities and attributes across 20 cards. It is a must include for all Smash Up fans out there.
