Shakespeare (2015) Board Game

Shakespeare is a board game released in 2015 that allows players to take on the roles of theater managers in Renaissance England. Designed by Arnaud Demaegd and Neriac, the game is set in the world of William Shakespeare and his famous plays. With a mix of action points, auction/bidding, open drafting, and solo/solitaire gameplay, Shakespeare offers a unique and immersive experience for 1-4 players.

Game Components of Shakespeare

Player boards: Each representing a bare stage

Character cards: Actors, craftsmen, and other personnel

Cylinders: Used for bidding and activating characters

Initiative Track: Determines turn order

Prestige Point track: Tracks players’ prestige

Act tracks: Red, yellow, and blue, representing the three acts of the play

Ambiance track: Measures the ambiance of the theater

Rest tokens: Used to manage character availability

Costume and set pieces: Used for bonuses and ambiance

How To Setup Shakespeare

To set up the game, each player starts with a player board and initial character cards, including Shakespeare and Falstaff. The main board is laid out with the Initiative Track, Prestige Point track, and the three Act tracks. Each player receives a set of cylinders for bidding and activating characters. The game is ready for the six-day production period to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Blind Bidding: Players bid cylinders to determine turn order, with the fewest cylinders going first but also scoring a Prestige Point.

Recruitment and Activation: Players recruit one new character each day and activate existing characters using their cylinders.

Character Abilities: Actors move along Act tracks, while craftsmen and other characters provide bonuses or move the ambiance track.

Queen’s Favor: Players can visit the Queen to gain coins or endgame objective cards.

Rest Tokens: Characters are rested, making them unavailable for the next day, adding a strategic layer to the game.

Game Objective: The player with the most prestigious play, determined by Prestige Points, wins the game.

Player Experience

In **Shakespeare**, players are immersed in the frantic preparation of a stage production, navigating the challenges of recruiting and managing characters, managing resources, and balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. The game is known for its tight decision-making, particularly in the blind bidding phase, which adds tension and strategy.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of blind bidding and worker placement creates a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Thematic Integration: The game’s theme of preparing a stage production is well-integrated into the mechanics, making the game feel authentic.

High Replayability: With multiple characters and paths to victory, the game offers high replayability.

Artwork and Production: The game features excellent artwork and high production value.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game can be clunky with many different mechanics, making it difficult to teach and grasp for beginners.

Administrative Burden: Managing the various tracks and tokens can feel like an administrative burden.

Personal Thoughts on Shakespeare

**Shakespeare** is a game tailored for fans of Eurogames and those who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. It is not a game for beginners due to its complexity, but for experienced players, it offers a rich and engaging experience. The game’s theme will particularly appeal to those with an interest in theater and Shakespearean history. While it may not revolutionize the gaming landscape, it is a solid addition to any serious board game collection.

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