Anyone who knows Snake Plissken knows that when he turns up, Manhattan is no longer safe. But this time it’s not about an action movie night, it’s about exciting hours at the gaming table. With The Rattlesnake – The Board Game, Pendragon Game Studio has brought a real insider tip for movie fans and strategic board gamers to the table.
🎬 Movie meets board game
Based on John Carpenter’s dystopian classic Escape from New York, 1-4 players (up to 5 with the expansion) take on the roles of iconic characters such as Snake, Brain, Maggie and Cabbie. Their goal: to rescue the US President from the sealed-off prison city of Manhattan – with a vital cassette in their luggage.
The game is semi-cooperative: although the characters basically work together, everyone is also pursuing their own secret goals. Not everyone is as loyal as they seem – this creates tension, mistrust and unforgettable twists and turns.
“I’m gonna give you assholes a chance. What do you say? Should we play a little game?”
– Snake Plissken
🔍 What can you expect?
- Variable game plans: The city of New York is discovered piece by piece – each game is different.
- Tactics & resource management: Whether weapons, vehicles or allies – with skillful hand card management you may (perhaps) manage to escape.
- Dangers around every corner: random events, enemies and deadly encounters provide thrills.
The playing time is approx. 40-90 minutes, depending on the number of players and experience. The game is aimed at players aged 14 and over.
🔥 High voltage right up to the last minute
The true strength of The Rattlesnake is revealed in the final phase of each game: when the clock is ticking mercilessly, the last cartridge has been fired and the president is lost somewhere in the ruins, the tension rises immeasurably. Suddenly every decision, every move counts – will I save the mission or myself? Will one of the other players betray the group? This nerve-wracking dynamic lends the game a cinematic intensity that creates rare goosebump moments at the gaming table.
⚔ Even more chaos? The extensions!
There are several expansions for those who want to get even more out of the game:
- Gangs of New York
➤ A fifth player takes on the role of the gangs and plays against the heroes. Great asymmetrical dynamics! - United States Police Force
➤ New police-related missions and mechanics for even more pressure and tactical variety. - Heroes Set + Prisoners
➤ Detailed miniatures of the game figures – a visual upgrade for fans and collectors.
🎲 Our conclusion: Who should play the game?
🔸 Film fans get a lovingly staged homage with a strong atmosphere.
🔸 Strategists experience a clever game of bluff, cooperation and betrayal.
🔸 Group players love the dynamic of mistrust and teamwork.
The Rattlesnake is perhaps less suitable for absolute beginners – the rules are not complex, but the interplay of the mechanics only really unfolds after 1-2 games.
💬 Our tip
Focus on the common goal in the first game before you get caught up in secret agendas. And: don’t think too long – Snake only has 24 hours!
Curious?
Then lace up your boots, load your gun and start your next adventure in Manhattan prison! And then watch the movie.
The Rattlesnake (Escape from New York)
The Rattlesnake transports you into the special atmosphere of the 1982 cult film by old master John Carpenter.
The whole of Manhattan has become the biggest prison in the world. You take on the role of Snake Plissken, Brain, Maggie and Cabbie, the iconic cab driver.