Fortress (Fast Forward 2)

This is the second of Friedemann Friese's "Fast Forward" series. Like the others in the series, you learn each game by playing it. Inside the small, square box is a pack of large format cards with an important message on the first card: "do not shuffle". Drawing the first card reveals the first rule and the game gets under way. As you play, the rules develop and change. At the end, the cards can be put away so that, the next time it’s played, you start from the state the game was left in (or can re-set to the beginning).

As Fortress starts off, players have no idea of how to win. Gradually Fortress cards come into play and you discover that it's all about capturing them, using the cards in your hand. This means you need to collect sets of cards that will enable you to take fortresses. But quickly, before the game ends!

Given the random nature of drawing cards, there is a strong element of luck in the game. However, it plays quickly enough that you can play again and get your revenge. I really like the challenge it offers, not just in mastering the game, but in out-thinking the other players.

For 2-5 players, aged 8+, playing time 15 minutes

Fortress was designed by Friedemann Friese and this edition is published by Stronghold

Find out more:
    Fortress at BoardGameGeek
    Pevans reviews the first three "Fast Forward" games in issue 181 of To Win Just Once (PDF, 1 Mb)