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Queen by Midnight (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Queen by Midnight is a fantasy political board game released in 2023, designed by Michal Ivan, Mike Pape, and Ameera Sheikh. The game is set in a fictional kingdom where players take on the roles of noble houses vying for power and influence to crown the next queen by midnight.

Game Components of Queen by Midnight

  • 14-page rulebook
  • 6 Player Boards
  • 2 Six Sided Dice
  • 6 Clout & Health Tracker Boards
  • 12 Wooden Health/Clout tokens
  • 108 Princess Vault Cards
  • 75 Bazaar Cards
  • 60 Starter Cards
  • 6 Ultimate/Inner Circle Cards
  • 30 Declaration Cards
  • 24 Loyalty Tokens
  • 24 Lash Tokens
  • 15 Prophecy Tokens
  • 1 Trance Token
  • 30 Level Tokens
  • Clocktower

    How To Setup Queen by Midnight

    Setting up Queen by Midnight involves several steps. First, each player selects a Princess and takes the corresponding Player Board, Clout & Health Tracker Board, and starting cards. The Clocktower, which serves as a dice tower and turn tracker, is placed centrally. Players also receive their unique Princess Vault Cards and the shared Bazaar Cards are placed within reach. The game includes various tokens and boards to track health, clout, and other game elements. While the initial setup can be time-consuming, especially for larger groups, it becomes smoother once players are familiar with the rules.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Count:** 3–6 players
  • Minimum Age:** 12+
  • Game Length:** 60–90 minutes
  • Deck-building:** Players build their decks using Princess Vault Cards and Bazaar Cards.
  • Combat and Guile:** Use cards to scheme, brawl, and cast spells to outmaneuver opponents.
  • Loyalty System:** Pledge loyalty to other players to hedge your bets.
  • Clocktower Mechanic:** The Clocktower tracks turns, offers cards to buy, and rolls dice.
  • Objective:** Be the last Princess standing or have the most influence when the clock strikes midnight to be crowned the new Midnight Queen.

    Player Experience

    Players of Queen by Midnight praise its unique blend of deck-building and battle royale mechanics. The game offers six unique Princesses, each with distinct playstyles, ensuring a varied and engaging experience. The stunning Clocktower and beautiful artwork add to the game’s appeal, making it visually appealing and immersive. While the first playthrough can be lengthy due to setup and rule explanation, subsequent games run more smoothly. The game is highly replayable, with balanced mechanics that ensure each player has a chance to win without feeling unfair.

    Pros

  • Unique Mechanics:** Combines deck-building and battle royale elements.
  • Beautiful Artwork:** The game features stunning artwork and a visually appealing Clocktower.
  • High Replayability:** Six unique Princesses and numerous cards ensure varied gameplay.
  • Balanced Gameplay:** Mechanics are balanced, allowing all players a fair chance to win.
  • Immersive Theme:** The game’s theme of battling for the Midnight Court is engaging and thematic.

    Cons

  • Initial Setup Time:** Setting up the game can be time-consuming, especially for larger groups.
  • Rule Complexity:** Understanding the rules can take some time, especially for new players.

    Personal Thoughts on Queen by Midnight

    Queen by Midnight is ideal for fans of deck-building and battle royale games who appreciate a blend of strategy and social interaction. It’s a great choice for groups looking for a game that combines guile, deception, and brawn, and its beautiful artwork and unique Clocktower mechanic make it a standout on any game table. While it may require some time to learn the rules, the game offers high replay value and is suitable for players aged 12 and above.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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