Bob: It’s nice to watch an amateur game every once in a while, wouldn’t you say, Jim?
Jim: Quite right, Bob. There’s far less grandstanding in a game of Sevens and a lot more fast-paced action.
Bob: Yup. And your legs might not even fall asleep from sitting down so long. I hate that.
Jim: I’ll have to take your word for it, Bob. I don’t suffer from that particular affliction. Let’s hand it over to Alyssa to tell our readers a little more about it!
Alyssa: Hot on the heels of Blood Bowl: Second Season Edition looms Death Zone, the first major supplement for the game. Every coach worth their salt is going to want in on this action. Let’s take a look at what you can expect.
You’ll find lots of ways to keep things fresh inside, with game-changing options for every coach – like a huge variety of Mercenary players. These freelance players aren’t quite as well known as Star Players (yet), but they offer crucial skills to patch up a weak spot in a team’s roster and allow you to mix things up to keep your rivals guessing.
With five broad categories and loads of options for each, there’s a Mercenary that’s just right for teams of any size and disposition. From this wide pool, coaches can pick and choose those with the skills they need – albeit for a price. Maybe you want to add some serious punch with a Bona Fide Big Guy.
You might want to search even further to find one that’s got a reputation for brutality, instead of tossing their team-mates down the pitch. That’s where Trait Packages come in – they let you pick exactly what you’re looking for.
There are plenty of other ways to shake up your games – one of the most common is a change of venue. In Death Zone, you’ll find all sorts of information about playing games in different environments.
Playing a game deep underground? Watch your step!
Caught in a blizzard? That frozen ground can knock your players out cold.
There’s always something new to explore, whether it’s the changing seasons or the harsh environments teams often seem to find themselves in – and this book will help you navigate them.
Talking of different ways to play, ever tried a game of Sevens?
Named for the smaller size of the teams, Sevens is a beloved version of the game. It’s usually played by amateur teams for fun, practice, or the attention of a franchise recruiter. Along with a smaller team, Sevens is played on a smaller pitch, and the action is that much more intense for it.
While the rules are very similar, the smaller format makes the game much faster to set up and play – busy coaches will love it. You can still take part in leagues, hiring and advancing players just like you would with full-sized games of Blood Bowl.
Perhaps the best part of Sevens is a new type of Inducement that represents the way amateur teams play. These Desperate Measures add loads of character, like this one which represents entrenched rivalries between local teams.
Blood Bowl Sevens is a fantastic way to try out a new team, like the Wolfenburg Crypt-Stealers, or perfect a tricky play you’re working on. You’ll find yourself looking for excuses to play this alternate version once you’ve got a few games under your belt.
All this and I’ve barely even scratched the surface. Death Zone is loaded with lots of great stuff including new Inducements, options for various types of stadiums, unique balls, special match events, and more.
That’s about all I can say without spoiling the fun. Back to our illustrious commentators in the box.
Jim: Thanks for giving us the rundown, Alyssa.
Bob: It sure sounds like Death Zone covers some of the wilder shenanigans that make Blood Bowl so fun – eh, Jim?
Jim: Precisely, Bob. There is never a dull moment in the beautiful game.
Bob: We done for now? I need to stretch my legs... Oh, and grab a refreshing draught of Bloodweiser, of course!
There’s never been a better time to get into Blood Bowl. If you missed it, Jonathan Taylor-Yorke recently offered some designer’s notes on why this edition is so special. Keep an eye out for more news about Death Zone, and grab the Blood Bowl: Second Season Edition box if you haven’t already.