Bonds or no Bonds
Fallout: Atomic Bonds was the last addition to the Fallout boardgame from Fantasy Flight Games and was designated as the cooperative Upgrade Pack.
Together
This cooperative upgrade pack is the smallest addition to the game and is set to help the players play together, not that the basic game or the expansion New California prevented it, it is just that you could always have players changing loyalty and turn the table on you. with this addition there is only one group affiliation for all players and all are working towards preventing the other factions from winning.
Changes
What is different with this upgarde? there are a few changes, not only is only one faction being tracked on the scenario card, but those card are also double sided. One side for each faction, players must decide before the game starts which faction they will work for. These are the same scenario as the basic board game with the difference of the faction per side. You also have the addition of C.A.M.P.S. token which when placed on the map allows players to fast travel to one of them as an action phase. Modification cards will provide enhancement to weapons and apparels. Workshop upgrade can provide help to you and the other players. Mutations cards, because with all that radiation, chnages are bound to occur. Goal cards, mini acheivments that players can complete. The activation cards, these replace the agenda cards from the basic game and the New California expansion, one of these cards is played at the end of each round, they will activate enemies and the opposing faction. And since we are playing together, an assist die was added for players that want to and can help, are now able to join in the fight with an enemy, yes the assisting player can also take damages.
Final note
Fallout: Atomic Bonds is the smallest box but can add alot to your game, if you are just starting, I strongly suggest that you get comfortable with the basic rules before adding the New California Expansion or the Atomic Bonds Cooperative Upgrade Pack. Should you decide that you are ready for the extras, you can find on the Boardgame Geek website the PDF version of the New California and Atomic Bonds combine rules, this should make the addition run smoothly.