Division: Throne Room (2020) Board Game

Division: Throne Room is a card game that was released in in 2020. It is designed by Paskal Millet and features artwork by MAD Games Ltd. The game falls under the categories of Card Game, Dice, Medieval, and Puzzle, with gameplay centered around dice rolling and pattern building mechanics.

Game Components of Division: Throne Room

9 Courtier Cards

9 Palace Cards

2 Custom Dice

3 Reference Cards

Rulesheet

Drawstring Bag (Standard Edition)

Game Mat, +2 Custom Dice, Foldable Dice Tray (Deluxe Edition).

How To Setup Division: Throne Room

To set up the game, players arrange the 9 Courtier Cards on a three by three grid. Each player receives a set of Palace Cards, which display specific chess piece configurations. The custom dice and reference cards are also prepared for use. The game state is initialized with the Courtier Cards in their starting positions, and each player has their Palace Cards ready to guide their moves.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Players roll two custom dice showing chess pieces (Pawn, Rook, Knight, Bishop, Queen, King).

Chess Piece Movement: Players move Courtier Cards according to the movement rules of the corresponding chess piece shown on the dice.

Pattern Matching: Players aim to match the patterns on their Palace Cards by moving the Courtier Cards.

No Undo: Moves are irreversible, adding a layer of strategy and planning.

Game Objective

The objective is to complete all of your Palace Cards by matching the patterns shown on them. The first player to achieve this is declared the winner.

Player Experience

Division: Throne Room offers a quick and engaging gameplay experience. Turns are fast-paced, involving rolling the dice, choosing a piece, and moving it according to chess rules. The game’s state can change rapidly, making it thrilling as players can quickly undo each other’s progress. The inclusion of reference cards ensures that players unfamiliar with chess can still enjoy the game. The artwork on the Palace Cards is also praised for its quality.

Pros

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Quick turns and rapid changes in game state.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and use of the pieces.

Accessible: Reference cards help players who are not familiar with chess.

Engaging Mechanics: The ability to “jump” over other pieces adds a unique twist.

High Replayability: Different Palace Card configurations provide varied challenges.

Cons

Limited Undo: Irreversible moves can be frustrating if a mistake is made.

Dependence on Luck: Dice rolls can introduce an element of luck that may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Division: Throne Room

Division: Throne Room is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games and those who enjoy chess but are looking for a more condensed and faster-paced experience. It’s perfect for solo players or those who prefer head-to-head competition in a two-player setting. The game’s unique blend of chess mechanics and dice rolling makes it an interesting addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate strategic challenges and quick gameplay sessions.

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