Rogue State (2017) Board Game

Rogue State is a board game designed by José Ramón Faura and published by Tiny Battle Publishing in in 2017. It is set in a fictional modern world where players take on the roles of leaders of different countries, each trying to gain power and influence through political and military means.

Game Components of Rogue State

One 22×17-inch DPRK government ‘map’

14 Technology/Event chits

20 Tracking counters

35 Resource chits

36 Event Cards

One Full-Color Rulebook

One 1-page Turn Summary aid

A Twelve-sided die

One State-supplied Ziploc Bag to isolate your components

Several six-sided dice (not included)

How To Setup Rogue State

To set up the game, you need to lay out the DPRK government map, organize the Technology/Event chits, Tracking counters, Resource chits, and Event Cards. Place the Rulebook and Turn Summary aid within easy reach. Ensure you have the necessary dice. The setup is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to dive into the game quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Survive as the Supreme Leader of the DPRK from 1953 through 2030 and maximize adherence to the Juche ideology.

Mechanics:
– Resource Management: Manage scarce resources carefully.
– Risk Evaluation: Strategically evaluate risks to make informed decisions.
– Event Response: Respond assertively to events while minimizing foreign debt.
– Turn Structure: Each turn represents approximately seven years on the timeline of the DPRK.
– Juche Points: Earn points by advancing military strength, industrial production, nuclear weapons development, and achieving national self-reliance.

Player Experience

Playing **Rogue State** is an immersive experience that challenges you to balance multiple aspects of state management. You must navigate the complexities of global politics, manage resources efficiently, and make strategic decisions that align with the Juche ideology. The game requires a keen awareness of the interaction between your decisions and the world situation, making it both engaging and intellectually stimulating.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a deep and complex strategy that requires careful planning and resource management.

Historical Context: Provides a unique historical context, allowing players to understand the challenges faced by the DPRK.

High Replayability: The random events and resource management ensure high replayability.

Solo Play: Designed specifically for solo players, making it a great option for those who enjoy solo gaming experiences.

Cons

Complexity: While listed as low complexity, the game’s strategic depth can be overwhelming for casual players.

Time Commitment: Each game can take anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Component Requirements: Players need to supply additional six-sided dice, which might be inconvenient for some.

Personal Thoughts on Rogue State

**Rogue State** is ideal for players who enjoy deep strategic games, particularly those interested in geopolitical simulations and solo play experiences. It is not for the faint of heart, as it requires careful planning and strategic thinking. If you are fascinated by the intricacies of state management and geopolitical strategy, **Rogue State** is an excellent choice. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for quick, light-hearted play sessions.

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