Emperor’s Choice (2017) Board Game

Emperor’s Choice is a board game released in 2017 by designer Hisashi Hayashi and published by OKAZU Brand. The game is set in ancient China and revolves around players competing to become the new Emperor by gaining favor with various factions.

Game Components of Emperor’s Choice

Game board

Player tokens and worker pieces

Resource cards

Favor cards

Objective cards

Dice (for resolving certain actions)

Rulebook

How To Setup Emperor’s Choice

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of tokens and worker pieces and places them on designated starting spaces on the board. Resource cards, favor cards, and objective cards are shuffled and dealt according to the game’s rules. The rulebook provides detailed steps for setup, ensuring all components are correctly distributed and ready for play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategic Board Game

Mechanics: Area Control, Resource Management, Worker Placement

Objective: Players aim to gain the Emperor’s favor by completing objectives, managing resources, and strategically placing their worker pieces on the board.

Gameplay Flow: Players take turns placing workers, collecting resources, completing objectives, and using favor cards to influence the game state.

Player Experience

Playing **Emperor’s Choice** involves a blend of strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must carefully manage their resources and worker placements to achieve their objectives, all while trying to outmaneuver their opponents. The game requires a balance between short-term gains and long-term strategies, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers complex and engaging gameplay with multiple paths to victory.

Replayability: High replay value due to variable objectives and resource distribution.

Thematic Integration: The game’s theme of gaining the Emperor’s favor is well-integrated into the mechanics and components.

Cons

Learning Curve: Can be complex for new players, requiring a significant amount of time to learn the rules.

Component Quality: Some players may find the component quality varies, though generally well-regarded.

Personal Thoughts on Emperor’s Choice

**Emperor’s Choice** is ideal for fans of strategic board games who enjoy games with deep mechanics and high replayability. It is best suited for players who appreciate planning and executing complex strategies, and those who are willing to invest time into learning the game’s intricacies. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who enjoy challenging and immersive board games.

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