My lovely wife and I played our first game of Pulp Alley this past weekend (She's not really a gamer, but she humors me). Since my normal gaming room is currently undergoing a transformation into a nursery, I set up a small table in my new (much reduced) gaming room. Fortunately, Pulp Alley doesn't require a large playing area.
My wife took the part of the Good Guys, a league by the name of Tennessee Smith and Antiquities Incorporated. This was a small league of four stalwart adventurers built around the "Company of Heroes" league perk. I played the Bad Guys, in the form of the foul Cult of Evil Spiky Death. I took the league perk of "Mastermind", which meant that the leader of my league would not take the field. The group would be commanded by his second-in-command, Wilbur the High Priest of Spiky Death. The Mastermind perk allowed me to take additional henchmen, which meant I outnumbered my wife's league, though with troops of a lower caliber.
We set up the table for the Smash and Grab scenario, the first scenario in the Pulp Alley rulebook. This is a simple scenario, revolving around collecting "plot points" from around the table. The game was a bit off-the-cuff, so my defining of these plot points was a bit weak. We used some plastic skulls I bought last Halloween as plot point markers.
I am afraid I didn't take enough pictures to recreate the battle as a full report, but I do have a few to share.
Being our first time playing, the game didn't flow perfectly, with much consulting of the rulebook. That is not a reflection on the rules themselves, which I found enjoyable. I particularly like the "fortune deck" mechanic, which allows the players to influence events during the game by playing fortune cards. The rules are simple enough to prevent bogging down, but with enough crunch to be interesting. That's all for now, so thank you for your kind attention, and until next time, carry on gaming!
First time i've seen that castle used on a gaming table. certainly looks worth the money. Also, a fun quirky game, i always like the charm of an occasional pulp game
ReplyDeleteThe castle does make a cool centerpiece for the table. I expect to see it get more use when I finally get around to doing something with Empire of the Dead.
DeleteNice estate you've got laid out here.
ReplyDeleteThanks : )
DeleteThat's a lovely board Chris but better is your wife plays the games with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, she is a gem.
DeleteIndeed Good on the Missus! Nice looking table and layout, I want to do pulp eventually.
ReplyDeleteThanks : )
DeleteI love these rules and am determined to solo-ize them once clear of current projects!
ReplyDeleteI really like them, too. I'd be interested in solo friendly modifications as well, seeing as I can't always expect my wife to play.
DeleteGood looking board (and very nice missus). It would make a great "secret Base" or super villain lair. (The Board not the Missus!)
ReplyDeleteHaha! Thanks : )
DeleteLoving these rules. Running PA at our local con next month.
ReplyDelete-J
Yes, I quite like them. I have a few other pulp games, but I think Pulp Alley will probably by my go-to rules set for pulp now.
DeleteWhat can I say, although small(ish) in dimensions, this is a con-level presentation table. It looks fabulous, keep it up! And as many others have said, it is very cool that the missus is rolling some dice and pushing figs around with you. Rock on!
ReplyDeleteA solo modification has always been on the to-do list, but keeps losing ground to shinier things.
ReplyDeleteI would certainly welcome any input, if someone feels up to the Challenge... although it may be perilous. :)
Thanks for trying Pulp Alley. Mila and I certainly appreciate it.
Dave
Wow, how did I miss this post, Chris.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found Pulp Alley. We are loving it too and are getting back to it after life deraild us for a bit.
Love the table. Nice to see a game not taking place in the deserts or jungle.
-Eli