Vindication (2018) Board Game

Vindication is a board game that was released in 2018 and designed by a team of talented individuals including Brett Carville, Emiliano Cordoba, Bartek Fedyczak, Noemi Konkoly, and Phu Thieu. The game is published by Orange Nebula, LLC and falls under the categories of exploration and fantasy. With a playing time ranging from 45 to 150 minutes, Vindication is suitable for 2 to 5 players aged 14 and above.

Game Components of Vindication

Main Map: Features hexagonal spaces for different locations.

Player Board: Includes three circles for Potential, Influence, and Conviction, along with a Tableau area for companion cards and other acquisitions.

Cubes: Used for managing Potential, Influence, and Conviction.

Companion Cards: Acquired throughout the game to aid in various actions.

Proficiency Tiles: Used for set collection and end-game bonuses.

Region Tiles: Associated with specific actions and attributes.

Miniatures: Token miniatures that represent companions and other elements, though they lack mechanical purpose.

How To Setup Vindication

To set up Vindication, players start by creating the main map with hexagonal tiles, each representing different locations. Each player receives a personal board with the three tracked attributes: Potential, Influence, and Conviction. Companion cards and other game components are shuffled and placed within reach. Players choose their starting companions, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Map Navigation: Players navigate a randomized map, visiting regions to perform specific actions.

Cube Management: Players manage cubes across Potential, Influence, and Conviction spaces to perform actions.

Companion Activation: Players activate companions using Influence cubes.

Area Control: Players control regions to score points.

Set Collection: Players collect cards of various colors to achieve set bonuses.

Engine Building: Players build their capabilities through card acquisitions and companion upgrades.

Objective: The game ends when a specified end-game condition is met, and the player with the most honor points wins.

Player Experience

Playing Vindication involves a dynamic mix of strategy and adaptability. Players must balance route planning, resource management, and set collection while keeping an eye on other players’ moves. The game requires constant decision-making, as players need to optimize their cube placements and companion activations to maximize their honor points. The sandbox-style gameplay offers a sense of freedom but also demands focus on exploiting available opportunities efficiently.

Pros

Integrated Mechanics: The game seamlessly integrates various mechanics like area control, engine building, and set collection.

High Replayability: Randomized maps and card draws ensure each game is unique.

Strategic Depth: Players must manage multiple aspects of the game to succeed.

Thematic Consistency: The game mechanics align well with the narrative of self-vindication on an island.

Cons

Production Issues: Some critics find the production value lacking, particularly with the token miniatures.

Expansion Overload: The numerous expansions can be confusing and difficult to integrate.

Hefty Price Tag: The game comes with a significant cost, which may deter some players.

Personal Thoughts on Vindication

Vindication is ideal for players who enjoy complex, strategic games with a unique blend of mechanics. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate engine-building and area control games, as well as those who enjoy the challenge of managing multiple resources and opportunities. Despite some production and cost concerns, the game’s execution and replay value make it a worthwhile addition to any serious board game collection. If you’re looking for a game that requires strategic thinking and adaptability, Vindication is definitely worth considering.

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