Here I Stand (2006) – Board Game Guys

Here I Stand: Brief History and Background Information of Here I Stand

“Here I Stand” is a board game that allows players to take on the roles of Protestant Reformers or Roman Catholic defenders in the 16th-century Reformation. The game was designed to be educational and to provide a deep strategic challenge. It was published by Horrible Guild in 2016 and was designed by Paolo Mori, the same designer behind the popular game “Terra”. The game is set in the tumultuous world of the Reformation and allows players to experience the events of this pivotal time in history.

Why is Here I Stand Popular?

“Here I Stand” is a popular and significant game for several reasons:
– Educational: The game provides an engaging and interactive way for players to learn about the Reformation and its impact on history.
– Strategic Challenge: The game offers a deep strategic challenge, requiring players to develop strategies and make tactical decisions.
– Historical Accuracy: The game strives for historical accuracy, with the factions, abilities, and mechanics all working together to create an immersive and educational experience.
– Replayability: The game’s replayability comes from the varying setups and the different factions, each with their unique abilities.

Game Components of Here I Stand

Game Board: A point-to-point map of Europe

Cards: A single draw deck with event and command point cards

Counters: Various counters for armies, fleets, and other game elements

Rulebook: Extensive rules, including 40 pages of instructions

Player Boards: Individual boards for each of the six powers

Dice: Used for resolving combat, religious debates, and other actions

Victory Point Trackers: To monitor each player’s progress

How To Setup Here I Stand

To set up Here I Stand, each player selects one of the six main powers: the Habsburg Empire, the Ottoman Empire, England, France, the Papacy, or the Protestants. Each power has unique starting conditions and objectives. The game board is laid out with a point-to-point map of Europe, and each player receives their initial hand of cards. The setup also involves placing the starting units and counters on the board according to the specific rules for each power.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Driven System: Players play cards to gain command points or enact specific events.

Command Points: Used for military, political, religious, or exploratory actions.

Events: Represent historical details or general occurrences that can be played to disrupt opponents’ plans.

Diplomacy Phase: Players negotiate in secret to form alliances and exchange benefits.

Victory Points: Earned through controlling key cities, exploring the New World, building chateaux or cathedrals, and other actions specific to each power.

Game Objective: The first player to exceed 25 Victory Points or the player with the most at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Playing Here I Stand is a complex and engaging experience, requiring a significant amount of time and strategic thinking. The game involves deep strategy in raising and moving soldiers, initiating religious debates, and exploring the New World. Players must balance their card play between using command points for actions and enacting beneficial events. The diplomatic aspect adds a layer of negotiation and potential betrayal, mirroring the historical period’s political intrigue. Games can last anywhere from 3 to 9 hours, depending on the scenario and player interaction.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game provides a rich historical context and teaches players about the Reformation period.

Complex Strategy: Offers a deep and engaging strategy with multiple paths to victory.

Diplomatic Intrigue: Includes a unique diplomacy phase that encourages negotiation and alliance-building.

High Replayability: With a large card deck and varying player objectives, each game is unique.

Awards and Recognition: Won the 2006 Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Pre–World War II Boardgame and other notable awards.

Cons

Complexity: The game has 40 pages of rules and many components, making it daunting for new players.

Length: Full campaign games can take up to 9 hours to complete.

Player Count: While playable with 3-5 players, the game is best suited for 6 players.

Randomness: There is a significant degree of randomness from card draws and dice rolls.

Personal Thoughts on Here I Stand

Here I Stand is for dedicated gamers who enjoy complex, historically rich games. It is ideal for those who appreciate deep strategy, diplomatic intrigue, and the ability to shape their own narrative within a historical context. While it is not a game for everyone due to its complexity and length, it offers an unparalleled gaming experience for those willing to invest the time and effort. If you are looking for a game that combines politics, religion, and military strategy in a seamless and engaging way, Here I Stand is an excellent choice.

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