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Oligarchy: A Dystopian card game (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Oligarchy: A Dystopian card game was released in 2017 and is designed by EJ Dela Cruz. The game is set in a dystopian world where players take on the roles of powerful elites vying for control and influence. With a focus on negotiation and trading, players must outmaneuver their opponents to come out on top.

Game Components of Oligarchy: A Dystopian Card Game

  • 4 decks** of 50 cards each, with two factions per deck
  • 8 faction spinners** to track power levels
  • 4 status spinners** to track Affluence and Influence levels
  • Tokens and dice**
  • Game manual and quickstart guide**
  • Cards types: Characters, Scenarios, Incidents, Items, Professions, Resources
  • Factions: Corporate, Crime, Eco, Government, Illuminati, Media, Military, Religious

    How To Setup Oligarchy: A Dystopian Card Game

    To set up the game, each player starts with a deck comprising two factions. Each deck has 50 cards, and players begin with twelve power points split evenly between the two factions. Players draw seven cards initially and have the option to discard and redraw once if they are unhappy with their hand.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Deck-building: Players build their decks using cards from the available factions.
  • Resource Management: Players gather Affluence and Influence resources to play cards.
  • Card Play: Players can play one status card per round, gaining resources to deploy further cards.
  • Character Abilities: Characters have abilities that require specific Power Base levels to activate.
  • Attacking: Characters attack opponents, who can block with character cards or take damage directly from their Power Base.
  • Power Plays: Special abilities triggered by using three characters from the same faction.
  • Game Objective: Reduce each player’s Power Base from twelve to zero to be the last player standing.

    Player Experience

    **Oligarchy** offers a deeply immersive experience with its richly thematic cards, artwork, and flavor text. Players must strategically manage resources, deploy characters, and use items and events to deplete their opponents’ power bases. The game combines intricate strategy with a compelling dystopian narrative, making it engaging for fans of complex card games.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy: Complex gameplay mechanics offer a challenging and rewarding experience.
  • Thematic Immersion: Well-designed cards and artwork create a strong sense of immersion in the game’s dystopian world.
  • Replayability: Multiple factions and card combinations ensure high replayability.
  • Expansions: Additional boosters available to expand the game.

    Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve: The game’s intricate mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Resource Management: Managing Affluence and Influence can be complex and demanding.
  • Dependence on Card Draw: The game’s outcome can be significantly influenced by the cards drawn.

    Personal Thoughts on Oligarchy: A Dystopian Card Game

    **Oligarchy** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with deep mechanics and a rich thematic setting. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate deck-building and resource management. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best fit for casual or new card game players. For fans of dystopian themes and intricate gameplay, **Oligarchy** offers a thrilling and immersive experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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