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It’s a Wonderful Kingdom (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

It’s a Wonderful Kingdom’ is a strategic card game set in a medieval fantasy world, designed by Frédéric Guérard and published by La Boîte de Jeu in in 2021. The game offers a unique blend of betting and bluffing mechanics, making it an engaging and challenging experience for 1 to 2 players.

Game Components of It’s a Wonderful Kingdom

  • 130 new cards
  • Resource cubes
  • Trap tokens
  • Calamity Cards
  • Menace decks (optional module)
  • Player boards
  • Various tokens for resources, constructions, and other game mechanics

    How To Setup It’s a Wonderful Kingdom

    To set up the game, players start by dealing new cards to each player. The game board is prepared with the necessary components such as resource cubes, trap tokens, and the calamity cards. Each player sets up their own selection area and duchy board. The first player begins the choice phase by placing two cards into one or two offering areas, which are then selected by the second player. This process continues until all cards are distributed.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Card Drafting:** Players select cards from offering areas, adding a bluffing element with the option to play cards face-down using trap tokens.
  • Worker Placement:** Implicit in the resource management and construction phases.
  • Tableau Building:** Players build their kingdom by adding completed constructions to their duchy.
  • Resource Management:** Managing resources to construct buildings and produce more resources.

    Game Objective

  • Kingdom Building:** Expand and develop your kingdom to gain victory points.
  • Resource Production:** Manage resources to complete constructions and produce additional resources.
  • Bluffing:** Use trap tokens to hide negative calamity cards and make strategic decisions during the card selection phase.

    Player Experience

    It’s a Wonderful Kingdom offers a fast and satisfying play experience, typically lasting 45-60 minutes. The game is characterized by intense competition, especially in the two-player mode, where players vie for dominance over the kingdom. The addition of calamity cards and menace decks introduces new challenges and strategic depth, making each game unique.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** Combines card drafting, worker placement, and resource management for a rich gameplay experience.
  • Bluffing Mechanism:** Adds a fun and interactive element to the card selection phase.
  • Quick Playtime:** Games are relatively short, making it accessible for regular game sessions.
  • High Replayability:** New cards and optional modules ensure varied gameplay.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count:** Designed for 1-2 players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.
  • Calamity Cards:** Can introduce significant negative points, which some players might find frustrating.

    Personal Thoughts on It’s a Wonderful Kingdom

    It’s a Wonderful Kingdom is ideal for fans of strategic board games, particularly those who enjoy card drafting and resource management. The game’s low-fantasy setting and bluffing mechanism make it an engaging choice for players looking for a competitive yet fun experience. It is suited for players aged 14 and above who are looking for a game that balances strategy with exciting gameplay elements.

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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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