Police State (1976) Board Game

Police State is a humorous political board game released in 1976, designed by Harley Sachs. The game is set in a dystopian society where players take on the roles of corrupt government officials vying for power and control. With its satirical take on authoritarian regimes and surveillance states, Police State offers a unique and thought-provoking gaming experience.

Game Components of Police State

Game board representing a communist state

Player pieces and status markers (peasant, worker, party member, party elite)

Apartment cards (one room, two rooms, three rooms, four rooms)

Wealth and power cards

Immunity cards

Secret police deck

Red spot markers

Dice

How To Setup Police State

To set up Police State, each player chooses a piece and places it on the Red Square space on the board. Each player starts as a peasant with a white status marker. The apartment cards, wealth and power cards, and immunity cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The secret police deck is also shuffled and set aside. Players determine who goes first, typically the youngest player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Status System: Players progress through different status levels (peasant, worker, party member, party elite) by acquiring apartments and connections.

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to move around the board, with higher status levels allowing for more dice rolls.

Card Collection: Players collect wealth and power cards, which are essential for advancing.

Accusations and Immunity: Players can accuse others of holding more than the allowed wealth or connections, leading to penalties or immunity.

Red Spots: Players who accumulate three red spots are sent to Siberia and eliminated.

Game Objective:

The objective is to reach the premier position by acquiring a four-bedroom apartment and 8 connections, or to be the last player remaining on the board.

Player Experience

Playing Police State immerses players in a unique blend of strategy and social interaction. The game requires strategic planning to advance through the status levels and manage resources effectively. The accusation mechanism adds a layer of social intrigue, as players must navigate alliances and rivalries to succeed.

Pros

Unique Theme: Offers a distinct perspective on life in a communist state.

Strategic Depth: Combines resource management, status progression, and social interaction.

Replayability: The random distribution of cards and the dynamic accusation system ensure different experiences each time.

Cons

Complexity: The game has multiple mechanics that can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: Games can be quite long, typically lasting around 120 minutes.

Outdated Appeal: The theme and mechanics may not appeal to all modern players.

Personal Thoughts on Police State

Police State is a game that will appeal to those interested in complex, strategic gameplay and unique thematic settings. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy games that combine economic management, social interaction, and strategic planning. However, due to its complexity and length, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking a quick, light-hearted experience. If you’re looking for a game that challenges you and provides a rich, immersive experience, Police State is definitely worth considering.

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