Republic of Virtue (2021) Board Game

Republic of Virtue is a two-player card game released in 2021 by the designer Hollandspiele. The game is set during the French Revolution and players take on the roles of rival factions competing for power and influence in revolutionary France.

Game Components of Republic of Virtue

Cards: 27 cards, each with a combination of suit (hearts, diamonds, or spades), rank (2, 3, or 4), and sphere (Military, Politics, Mob, and Wild).

Coins: Used to activate special abilities and protect cards from being purged.

Crisis Cards: Six crisis cards, two of each type (Military, Politics, Mob), with half randomly removed at the start of the game.

How To Setup Republic of Virtue

To set up the game, players start by shuffling the deck and drawing initial cards. Each player is randomly assigned a “natural suit” which they can play cards from without a discard cost. The crisis cards are shuffled into the deck, but half of them are removed randomly at the start to introduce unpredictability.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Market: Players buy cards from a market and play them into their tableau.

Card Activation: Coins are used to activate special abilities of the cards.

Crisis Resolution: When a crisis card is resolved, cards of the predominant suit among both players’ tableaus are purged unless protected by a coin.

Scoring: Points are scored in three spheres (Military, Politics, Mob) based on the crisis resolved. The Wild sphere (tricolors) acts as a flexible point earner.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate at least 21 points to avoid the “national razor.” If both players achieve this, they share victory.

Player Experience

**Republic of Virtue** offers a dynamic and unpredictable gameplay experience. Players must balance the need to build a strong tableau with the risk of losing cards during crises. The game requires strategic planning, as players must decide which cards to protect and how to optimize their points across different spheres. The interplay between managing resources (coins) and adapting to random crises adds a layer of complexity and excitement.

Pros

Dynamic Crises: Random removal of crisis cards ensures each game is unique and unpredictable.

Strategic Depth: Players must carefully manage resources and adapt to changing conditions.

Multiple Paths to Victory: The game allows for various strategies to achieve the required points.

Interactive: Players can influence each other’s tableaus through the crisis mechanism.

Cons

Complex Setup: Understanding the crisis and scoring mechanisms can be overwhelming for new players.

Lengthy Games: Games can take between 120 to 240 minutes, which may deter players seeking quicker sessions.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Republic of Virtue

**Republic of Virtue** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a high level of complexity and unpredictability. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that require careful resource management and adaptability. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick game, it offers a rich and engaging experience for fans of deeper, more strategic gameplay.

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