King Maker Board Game – Board Game Guys

King Maker is a classic board game that was first released in in . It is an abstract strategy game that involves political intrigue and strategic decision-making. The game is set during the Wars of the Roses in 15th century England, where players take on the roles of various factions vying for power and control. King Maker has been praised for its deep strategic gameplay and historical theme.

Game Components of King Maker Board Game

Rulebooks: Includes “Original”, “Extended Original”, and “Kingmaker II” rules.

Cards: Event cards, Crown cards, and other specific cards like Writ cards (now replaced by a simpler summoning mechanism).

Game Board: Double-sided board featuring the traditional map on one side and a new map on the other.

Player Aids: Noble markers, titles, offices, bishoprics, control of towns and cities, mercenaries, and ships.

Pieces: Noble markers, troop pieces, royal family member pieces, and ships.

Solo Mode: Designed by Steve Froud, includes a single opponent Bot.

How To Setup King Maker Board Game

To set up Kingmaker, each player starts by receiving a set of nobles, troops loyal to those nobles, and various titles and offices. The game board is laid out with spaces for holding different types of cards and tracks for indicating army strengths and faction prestige points. Players draw initial Crown cards and place their nobles and troops on the board according to the rules of the chosen game mode. The event deck is also prepared, and any starting conditions such as pre-determined factions are set up to ensure balanced gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Event Phase: Draw an event card and apply its effect.

Movement Phase: Move nobles and ships.

Combat Phase: Resolve battles and sieges.

Parliament Phase: Summon Parliament under certain conditions.

Coronation Phase: Crown a royal family member under your control.

End of Turn Phase: Draw 2 Crown cards and discard 1 Crown card.

Objective: Win by controlling the last crowned king, or achieve a Prestige Victory by accumulating points for holding key cities, titles, and royal pieces.

Player Experience

Kingmaker offers a complex yet engaging experience, particularly suited for those who enjoy strategic and historical games. Players must navigate the intricate web of alliances, battles, and political maneuvers to influence the outcome of the succession. The game features shifting alliances and unpredictable events, making each playthrough unique. The revamped version includes improvements such as mitigated risks of being completely wiped out and new win conditions to prevent stalemates.

Pros

Historical Depth: Immersive theme set in the War of the Roses.

Strategic Complexity: Engaging gameplay with multiple layers of strategy.

Updated Mechanics: New rules and components to enhance gameplay and balance.

Solo Mode: Excellent solo mode for learning and practice.

Replayability: High replay value due to random events and varied player strategies.

Cons

Learning Curve: Can be challenging for new players due to complex rules.

Game Length: Can be lengthy, especially in the extended version.

Component Quality: Some users have reported issues with card organization and packaging.

Personal Thoughts on King Maker Board Game

Kingmaker is ideal for fans of historical strategy games and those who enjoy complex, medium-heavy wargames. It is particularly appealing to players who appreciate the nuances of the War of the Roses and are looking for a game that challenges their strategic thinking. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a must-have for anyone who played the original in the 70s and 80s or for those interested in deep, immersive board game experiences.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.