Stats:
No. of players: 2
Amount of time to play: 60-90 min
Age requirements: 13+
Set-up time: 5 min

DreadBall 2.0 changes some rules and adds more balance to the teams in this sports miniatures board game.

DreadBall 2.0 Rules Description:

DreadBall 2.0 keeps the basic game play and flow as the original DreadBall. If you are not familiar with the system, you can read my review and overview here. This post is going to focus on the new elements in the second edition of the game.

One of the first new things you’ll see when is the Agility stat. This stat is used for Evading, Dodging, and Standing up. Formerly these were Speed tests. Adding this new stat lets slower teams still be able to move around the pitch and get up when knocked down.

Jacks get and upgrade in the update. They used to only be able to move one space before a Slam or Throw. Now they can Run before a Slam or Throw and gain a die on Speed tests. Jacks can still Run Interference but they do so when you play an Any Action card on them. Run Interference limits the Jack to moving only one space before a Slam.

There have been some changes to the cards too. Event cards are now an optional add-on. You can now buy one card minimum per round. This helps teams that start with no cards and under the old rules could never buy them in-game. You may also discard a card to re-roll one die.

Fouls are handled differently in version 2.0. The coach that is fouled is still responsible to notice and call the Foul. They will get to roll a 4+ Spot Foul test, but the offending team can attempt to Distract the Ref. In order to Distract a player must be within seven hexes of the Ref and not in an opponent’s Threat Hex. Guards get an extra die to Distract and the Spot check is +1 if the Foul is committed within seven hexes of the Ref. If the Distracting player rolls more successes the Foul goes unnoticed. If the Spot check wins the Fouling player is sent off equal to the difference in successes. If the Spot check doubles then they get the win result and can also send a Distracting player to the bench. Fouls are also more attractive in this edition since when they double they generate a Fan Check.

The league rules now let you create teams of mixed races. It will cost you more to field these teams but at least it is possible. You also gain experience for more actions and get to choose new abilities based on their position. Supporting coaches help you on your rush and cheerleaders can help you get Fan Checks or sidetrack opposing coaches and players.

Quick Review of DreadBall 2.0:

DreadBall Second Edition is great update for a really fun game. It balances some the teams and got some teams that became unplayable back in the game. I can’t wait to try a league with these updated rules.

The components are well done and in line with those from the original game. The miniatures look good and so does the art. The rulebook does a good job laying out the rules and getting new players started. I do wish it had a section for owners of the first edition that just went over the new things, but I know that is a lot to ask.

DreadBall 2.0 is an upgrade in so many ways to an already great game. Most of the changes balance the teams and keep all of them fun to play. Allowing Jacks a full Run before their action is an excellent change. And the Agility stat really adds variety to teams and makes some more playable.

The new system for Fouls helps them not to sow the game down too much and since they can generate Fan Checks they might actually be worth committing.

I am a big fan of DreadBall and this second edition is fantastic. If you have not played DreadBall, but like the sound of it, buy the new edition. It comes with two new teams to get you started. If you are a veteran and enjoy or have the first edition you can buy an upgrade pack and get everything you need to start playing 2.0.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 4 out of 6
Luck 5 out of 6
Player Interaction 5 out of 6
Replay Value 5 out of 6
Complexity 4 out of 6
Fun 6 out of 6
Overall 6 out of 6