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Three Kingdoms Redux (2014) Board Game

ByMichail

Three Kingdoms Redux is a board game that is based on the historical period of the Three Kingdoms in ancient China. This period was marked by political intrigue, military conquests, and the struggle for power among three rival states.

Game Components of Three Kingdoms Redux

  • Giant game board depicting the historical geographic locations of the dynasties in China
  • General tokens and cards, each with special abilities and talents in combat, administration, and leadership
  • Undeveloped fields and cities
  • Rice and gold resources
  • State enhancement cards for passive/active abilities
  • Troop tokens
  • Various action space tokens for different activities like developing farms, constructing marketplaces, and producing weaponry
  • Han emperor token for influencing bids
  • Popular support tokens
  • Silicon baking cups recommended for piece organization (though not official components).

    How To Setup Three Kingdoms Redux

    Setting up Three Kingdoms Redux involves each player gathering their respective dynasty’s components, including undeveloped fields, cities, rice, gold, general tokens, and cards. Players place their generals and advisors on the board according to the starting setup rules. The game requires a significant amount of table space due to the numerous components. Once familiar with the game, setup time becomes manageable, but initial games can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of pieces.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Worker Placement:** Players bid for action spaces using their generals and advisors.
  • Resource Management:** Manage rice, gold, and other resources to sustain the empire.
  • Bidding System:** Bid using combat or administration values to win action spaces; ties are resolved by the first player to bid.
  • Special Abilities:** Use general abilities, popular support, and the Han emperor to influence bids.
  • Action Spaces:** Develop farms, construct marketplaces, produce weaponry, control the Han emperor, win popular support, and train armies.
  • Combat and Administration:** Actions can be won through either combat or administration but not both.
  • Game Objective:** Balance empire maintenance, resource production, and strategic expansion to gain victory points over 12 rounds.

    Player Experience

    Playing Three Kingdoms Redux is a deeply strategic and immersive experience. The game is not about direct combat but about maintaining a delicate balance between resource management, empire growth, and alliances. Players must carefully choose which actions to bid on, considering the opportunity cost of using their generals. The game’s length can be quite extensive, especially for new players, but the depth and complexity make it engaging for fans of strategy games. The beautiful artwork and historical accuracy add to the thematic experience.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.
  • Historical Theme:** Accurately represents the tripartite struggle of the Wei, Wu, and Shu dynasties.
  • Beautiful Artwork:** Components and the board are visually appealing.
  • Dynamic Alliances:** Allows for strategic alliances and backstabbing, adding a layer of social interaction.
  • Unique Mechanics:** Combines worker placement with bidding and resource management in a unique way.

    Cons

  • Long Playtime:** Games can be very long, especially with new players.
  • Complex Setup:** Initial setup can be overwhelming due to the numerous components.
  • Table Space:** Requires a significant amount of table real estate.
  • Steep Learning Curve:** New players may find the game mechanics and rules challenging to grasp initially.

    Personal Thoughts on Three Kingdoms Redux

    Three Kingdoms Redux is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who appreciate deep strategy, resource management, and historical themes. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and lengthy playtime. However, for those who enjoy worker placement and area control games with a strong strategic focus, Three Kingdoms Redux offers a highly engaging and rewarding experience. The game’s unique mechanics and beautiful artwork make it a standout in its genre, despite the challenges of setup and playtime.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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