C’est la Vie (1991) Board Game

C’est la Vie is a political board game released in 1991 by ASS Altenburger Spielkarten. The game is designed for 2-5 players aged 12 and up, with a runtime of around 10 minutes. It falls under the category of set collection games, where players aim to gather a specific set of cards to win.

Game Components of C’est la Vie

Cards: Representing relationships between inhabitants, character traits, and outfits.

Character Trait Cards: Necessary for befriending inhabitants.

Outfit Cards: Required to meet inhabitants while wearing the correct outfit.

Local Shrink and Boutique: Locations for trading cards.

How To Setup C’est la Vie

To set up the game, each player receives a number of cards that detail the relationships between the current inhabitants of the apartment building. Players also receive character trait and outfit cards. These cards are crucial for navigating the social dynamics within the building.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Gain friends in the apartment building to win the chance to rent the penthouse.

Gameplay:
– Players use character trait and outfit cards to befriend inhabitants.
– Cards can be traded at the local shrink or boutique.
– The game has two phases: the first involves moving around and making friends, while the second phase involves playing relationship cards to maximize friendships.
– Each player only knows the relationships on their cards, allowing for surprises from other players.

Player Experience

In **C’est la Vie**, players engage in a social maneuvering game where strategic card play and trading are key. The game requires players to understand and navigate the complex relationships within the apartment building, making it a challenging yet entertaining experience. The short gameplay duration of about **10 minutes** keeps the game fast-paced and engaging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and use of character traits and outfits.

Social Interaction: Players must navigate complex relationships, adding a social element to the game.

Quick Games: Each game lasts only about 10 minutes, making it great for quick sessions.

Surprise Element: Other players’ cards can introduce unexpected twists.

Cons

Limited Player Knowledge: Players only know the relationships on their own cards, which can lead to unpredictability but also frustration.

Card Dependency: The game heavily relies on card draws, which can sometimes feel luck-based.

Personal Thoughts on C’est la Vie

**C’est la Vie** is an excellent choice for those who enjoy strategic social games with a touch of unpredictability. It is particularly suited for families or groups of friends looking for a quick, engaging game that requires social maneuvering and strategic thinking. While it may appeal more to those who enjoy lighter, faster-paced games, it still offers enough depth to keep players interested and challenged.

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