Guillotine (1983) Board Game

Guillotine is a card game that was first released in in 1983. Designed by Scott Marley, the game has players taking on the roles of executioners during the French Revolution. The game was praised for its unique theme and engaging gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Guillotine

Noble Cards: 12 nobles are dealt face-up each day, each with a point value.

Action Cards: Allow players to rearrange the noble line, steal cards, or enhance point values.

Guillotine Structure: A small cardboard structure indicating the direction of the noble line.

Rule Book: Provides instructions on gameplay and card effects.

How To Setup Guillotine

To set up Guillotine, place the 12 noble cards face-up in a row to form the execution line. Each player starts with a hand of action cards. The guillotine structure can be placed at the front of the line to indicate the direction of play. The setup is quick, taking around 3-5 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay: Divided into three rounds or “days.”

Play an Action Card: Optional, to manipulate the noble line.

Collect the Noble: Take the noble at the front of the line.

Draw an Action Card: Draw a new action card to end the turn.

Objective: Collect the highest total points by managing which nobles you collect and forcing others to take low-scoring nobles.

Noble Types: Include Grey Nobles (negative points), Red Palace Guards (increasing point values), and special nobles like Fast Noble and Maximilien Robespierre.

Player Experience

Guillotine offers a light and interactive gameplay experience. initially, players may play nicely, but as the game progresses, it can become quite cutthroat, with players using action cards to disrupt each other’s strategies. The game’s quick playing time allows for multiple games in a short session, making it a great filler game.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Takes only 30 minutes to play.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

High Player Interaction: Encourages strategic plays and sabotage.

Entertaining Artwork: Whimsical and humorous design.

Replay Value: No two games are the same due to the variety of action cards.

Cons

Pop-up Guillotine: Feels unnecessary and reduces portability.

Rule Book: Could be more thorough in explaining some action cards.

Luck Element: Luck plays a significant role in the game.

Personal Thoughts on Guillotine

Guillotine is a great addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy light, social games. It’s perfect for game nights as it encourages interaction and strategy without being overly complex. The game is suitable for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, quick game that doesn’t require a lot of setup or deep strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a game with profound depth or those who prefer games with minimal luck involved.

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