Imperial Settlers: We Didn't Start The Fire (Expansion)

Imperial Settlers: We Didn't Start The Fire is the third Empire Pack expansion for the Imperial Settlers engine-building card game. This expansion introduces the Conquest mechanism, allowing players to capture opponents' faction locations and integrate them into their own empires, thereby enhancing player interaction and strategic depth.

Key Features

• Conquest Mechanism: Players can now spend raze tokens to conquer an opponent's faction location, adding it to their own empire. The cost in raze tokens depends on the target card's proximity to the opponent's faction board and any defensive measures in place. The original owner receives a citizen as compensation for the loss.
• Fortresses and Siege Actions: The expansion introduces fortress cards that allow players to build fortifications, scoring victory points based on the number of fortification markers at the end of each turn. Opponents can perform siege actions by spending raze tokens to remove all fortifications from a target fortress, adding a layer of tactical decision-making.
• Expanded Card Pool: Includes 50 new cards—10 for each of the base game factions (Romans, Japanese, Egyptians, and Barbarians) and 12 common cards—enhancing replayability and introducing new strategies. Note that expansion factions like the Atlanteans and Aztecs are not included, as they are considered "too peaceful."

Gameplay Enhancements

• Increased Player Interaction: The Conquest mechanism shifts the game from a solitary engine-building experience to a more interactive one, where players must consider the positioning and defense of their locations.
• Strategic Depth: Managing fortifications and planning sieges add new layers of strategy, requiring players to balance resource allocation between building their own empire and disrupting opponents.
• Resource Management: The new cards provide additional means to generate raze tokens, ensuring that players have the necessary resources to engage in conquests and sieges without disrupting the game's balance.

Conclusion

Imperial Settlers: We Didn't Start The Fire revitalizes the base game by introducing mechanisms that enhance player interaction and strategic complexity. It is recommended for fans seeking a more dynamic and engaging experience, though players who prefer the original game's focus on solitary engine-building may find the increased conflict less appealing.