Stats:
No. of players: 2-5
Amount of time to play: 45 min
Age requirements: 12+
Set-up time: 5-10 min

Eastern Skies is the latest expansion for Nightfall. It is a stand-alone expansion and can be played whether you own the original game or not.

Nightfall Eastern Skies Description:

Eastern Skies is the seventh expansion for Nightfall. Like its predecessors it adds new cards and a new mechanic. If you do not know how to play Nightfall you can find my review and overview here.

The new rule introduced in this expansion is Link effects. These effects are resolved when a card is added to the Chain. They are highlighted with the word Link and do not occur again during Chain resolution.

Since this is a stand-alone expansion, it contains new starter cards. The new starter cards work the same way as the originals, getting exiled once destroyed or discarded.

Also included are ghouls for summoning, but they are the same ghouls as those in the Crimson Siege expansion. The cards just have different art.

Quick Review of Nightfall Eastern Skies:

Eastern Skies is a pretty typical Nightfall expansion. You get some fun new cards, a new mechanic and, since this is a stand-alone expansion, you get new starter cards.

The art, rules and cards are all of similar quality to those in the other sets.

The new link mechanic is a really nice addition and adds some nice variety to the game play without being obtrusive. It just flows really well with how Nightfall works.

The new starter cards are pretty unique. In former sets the starter cards are best if played early. Most of the new ones make more sense and give you a better benefit when they are played later in the game. This is another new wrinkle that mixes things up nicely.

Eastern Skies is the most complex Nightfall expansion to date. If you are a fan of the game looking for more, you should pick it up. If you are new to the game I’d start with a different expansion. And if you are on the fence about getting more Nightfall stuff, I suggest you try it. You’ll know if it appeals to you in a game or two.

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