Dual Powers: Revolution 1917 (2018) Board Game

Dual Powers: Revolution 1917 is a board game that takes place during the Russian Revolution of

Players take on the roles of either the Provisional Government or the Soviet. The game captures the struggle between these two factions as they vie for power and influence in the midst of a turbulent time in Russian history.

Game Components of Dual Powers: Revolution 1917

Game board representing Petrograd

Leader cards

Command cards

Unit tokens (Soviet, Provisional Government, and neutral units)

Blockade and Unrest counters

Score track

Objective cards

Will of the People token

How To Setup Dual Powers: Revolution 1917

To set up the game, place the board between the two players, ensuring the Soviet side of the score track is toward the Soviet player and the Provisional Government side is toward the Provisional Government player. At the beginning of each game, draw a region for Unrest and a region for the Blockade. Each colored region on the board receives a random neutral unit token. Players start with three leader cards and are dealt five additional Command cards. The board is set up to reflect the chaotic and dynamic nature of the revolution.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players aim to control various regions of Petrograd through card play and unit placement.

Card Play: Players use Command cards and Leader cards to place, move, or refresh units.
– Leader cards offer special actions but are removed from the game once played.
– Command cards match specific regions on the map and allow unit placement or movement.

Scoring Phase: After four cards are played, score the Unrest region and the secret objective regions. The player with the most strength in a region scores points or takes a bonus action.

Unit Strength: Units have different strengths when fresh or exhausted, with some units gaining strength when exhausted.

Objective Cards: Secret objectives are revealed and scored based on control of specific regions.

Game End: The game ends when a Scoring phase takes place in October or November, or if the score marker reaches the end of either side of the track.

Player Experience

**Dual Powers: Revolution 1917** offers a gripping and strategic experience, particularly for those interested in historical themes and area control mechanics. The game is marked by its simplicity in rules but depth in gameplay, making it accessible yet challenging. Players engage in a tug-of-war between factions, using bluffing, positioning, and card play to outmaneuver their opponent. The game’s design reflects the historical context of political maneuvering and the struggle for control during the Russian Revolution.

Pros

Historical Theme: The game provides a unique and immersive experience into the Russian Revolution.

Simple to Learn: Easy rules make it accessible to new players.

Deep Gameplay: Strategic depth ensures high replayability.

Balanced Mechanics: The game mechanics balance well between the two factions, offering a fair and engaging competition.

Fast Paced: Games are relatively short, lasting about 30-60 minutes.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 1-2 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

No Direct Conflict: The lack of direct conflict mechanics might not appeal to players seeking more aggressive gameplay.

Dependency on Cards: The game’s outcome can be heavily influenced by the cards drawn, which might lead to some randomness in gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Dual Powers: Revolution 1917

**Dual Powers: Revolution 1917** is ideal for players interested in historical themes, area control games, and strategic card play. It is a great introduction to wargaming due to its straightforward rules and engaging gameplay. Historians and enthusiasts of the Russian Revolution will particularly appreciate the game’s thematic accuracy and the way it captures the essence of political and social turmoil during this period. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking multiplayer experiences or direct conflict mechanics, it stands out as a compelling and elegant game for solo or two-player sessions.

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