Manipulate (2018) Board Game

Manipulate is a board game released in 2018, designed by Laura Payne and published by an unknown publisher. It is a bluffing, card game that involves negotiation and strategic thinking. The game is suitable for 3-6 players, with the best experience being with 4 players. Players must use hand management, take that, and trading mechanisms to outwit their opponents and come out on top.

Game Components of Manipulate

Deck of cards

Player boards

Tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Manipulate

Shuffle the deck of cards.

Each player is given a player board and a set number of tokens.

Determine the starting player.

Deal a hand of cards to each player.

Follow the rules for setting up the game board based on the number of players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Manipulate, players must bluff, negotiate, and strategically use their cards to manipulate the game in their favor. The objective is to deceive your opponents, make alliances, and come out on top as the ultimate manipulator. Players must manage their hand effectively and use their cards wisely to outsmart the competition.

Player Experience

Pros:

Strategic gameplay that keeps players engaged.

Bluffing and negotiation add an element of excitement.

Replayability with different player counts.

Cons:

Learning curve for new players.

Can be challenging to keep track of all negotiations.

Personal Thoughts on Manipulate

Manipulate is a game that offers a unique and engaging experience for players who enjoy bluffing and negotiation. The build quality of the game is decent, and the artwork by Walrus Ventures adds to the overall theme of the game. However, the lack of information on the publisher and availability of the game may deter some potential buyers.

In terms of pricing, Manipulate may be considered slightly expensive for what it offers, especially for those who are looking for a more straightforward card game. There are several alternatives and similar games on the market that may provide a similar experience at a lower cost.

Overall, Manipulate is worth your time if you enjoy strategic card games with a bluffing element. It is recommended for players who enjoy negotiation and deception in gameplay. However, those who prefer simpler games may want to skip this one.

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