Co-op board game Townsfolk Tussle is the tabletop equivalent of Cuphead
That’s a high-class bout!
Townsfolk Tussle is an upcoming board game about a series of boss battles that bears a striking resemblance to the video game Cuphead.
Inspired by classic 1940s cartoons, Townsfolk Tussle is a game for two to five players that pits players against a gang of miscreants who are attempting to take over their homes. A murder has taken place in the town of Eureka Springs, and with the sheriff no longer pratrolling the streets it seems that a ragtag group of townspeople must come together to stop the culprits behind the crime from causing more trouble. Should the townsfolk successfully protect their home from the ruffians, one of them might even become the next sheriff.
Townsfolk Tussle is a co-op game that challenges its players to work together to defeat a series of ne'er do wells, each with their own fighting styles and abilities to overcome. Players will be able to choose from a collection of different townsfolk that have their own unique stats, abilities and starting gear. Throughout the game, players will be able to acquire new gear from the Peddler’s shop and by defeating the incoming enemies, that can open up opportunities for new playstyles.
At the start of the game, players receive three Feats of Mettle that can provide their character with benefits to help them against the ruffians they’ll face. They’ll also get a special Town Event that they can pursue to obtain additional rewards.
Depending upon the current town map in play, the players then discover which ruffian they’ll have to face and prepare the board with any elements that their arrival triggers. Each ruffian will present players with a different challenge that they’ll need to beat, with every sequential opponent increasing the level of difficulty. Eventually, players will encounter the final battle with the remaining ruffian, which could cause the map’s terrain to be altered or additional enemies to spawn alongside them. The players win once the final ruffian is defeated, or otherwise lose if they fail to survive the assault.
Townsfolk Tussle is the debut board game design from creators Stephen Louis, Tony Mayer and Rachel Rusk, as well as the publisher - Panic Roll - which was founded by the trio.
The Kickstarter campaign for Townsfolk Tussle is live until November 19th, with a pledge of $85 (£65) getting backers a copy of the core game set to be released in September 2021.