Regicide (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Regicide is a card game released in 2020 by Badgers from Mars. Designed by Paul Abrahams, Luke Badger, and Andy Richdale, this game features artwork by Sketchgoblin. Regicide falls under the categories of card game and fantasy, with gameplay mechanisms including communication limits, cooperative play, hand management, solo/solitaire gaming, and variable set-up.

Game Components of Regicide

54 Premium playing cards with custom art

1 Game aid card

1 Rule booklet

Optional: Hard plastic, flip-top box (2nd edition).

How To Setup Regicide

To set up Regicide, players start by shuffling the face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) to form a stack, with the Kings at the bottom, the Queens in the middle, and the Jacks on top. The exact order of the suits is unknown. Each player receives a hand of cards, and the first Jack is revealed to begin the game. The game can be played with a standard deck of poker cards, but the custom illustrated version adds to the game’s aesthetic.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to defeat the face cards.

Suit Abilities:
– Hearts: Reshuffle cards from the discard pile to the draw deck.
– Diamonds: Draw cards from the draw deck, distributed across all players.
– Clubs: Double the damage of the played card.
– Spades: Reduce the enemy’s attack value.

Enemy Health and Attack:
– Jacks: 20 health, 10 attack.
– Queens: 30 health, 15 attack.
– Kings: 40 health, 20 attack.

Objective: Defeat all 12 face cards by reducing their health to zero. If any player runs out of cards, everyone loses.

Player Experience

Regicide is known for its challenging and engaging gameplay. Players must strategically use the unique abilities of each suit to attack enemies and defend against their counterattacks. The game is quick, with most turns taking only a few seconds, but it requires careful planning and resource management. The prohibition on discussing cards adds an element of surprise and teamwork, as players must rely on their own judgment and the abilities of the cards they play.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Each suit has distinct abilities, making card management strategic and engaging.

High Replayability: Random order of cards and varying strategies ensure multiple plays are different.

Quick Games: Most games last 10-15 minutes, making it easy to fit in multiple sessions.

Artwork: The custom illustrations by Sketchgoblin are highly praised for their quality and theme.

Simple Setup: Easy to set up and start playing with minimal complexity.

Cons

Difficulty: The game is very challenging, and losses are common, especially for new players.

Luck Element: The random draw of cards can significantly impact the game’s outcome, sometimes leading to early losses.

Rulebook Clarity: The included rulebook has small print, which can be difficult to read without magnification.

Limited Post-Victory Goals: After winning the first few times, there may not be enough new challenges to keep players engaged consistently.

Personal Thoughts on Regicide

Regicide is ideal for those who enjoy cooperative games and strategic card management. It’s a game that appeals to fans of unique mechanics and challenging puzzles. The game’s ability to be played with a standard deck of cards makes it accessible, but the custom illustrated version enhances the experience. It’s a great choice for players looking for a quick, intense game that requires teamwork and strategic thinking. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more relaxed or easy-to-win experience.

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