Red November (2008) Board Game

Red November is a cooperative board game designed by Bruno Faidutti and Jef Gontier, and was released in 2008 by Fantasy Flight Games. The game is set on a Soviet submarine that is experiencing various malfunctions and crises, and players must work together to survive and fix the issues before time runs out.

Game Components of Red November

Larger game board (in the revised edition)

Item cards

Player tokens

Event cards

Submarine compartments

Time tokens

Rulebook with clarified rules (in the revised edition).

How To Setup Red November

To set up the game, players first assemble the submarine board, which is composed of interlocking compartments. Each player chooses a gnome character with unique abilities. The event deck is shuffled, and a set number of event cards are drawn to create the initial crisis situation. Players distribute item cards and time tokens accordingly. The goal is to prepare the submarine for the impending disaster that will unfold as the game progresses.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to survive.

Time Pressure: The game is timed, with events escalating every minute.

Resource Management: Players must manage limited resources and items.

Variable Player Powers: Each gnome has unique abilities.

Objective: Prevent the submarine from sinking by resolving crises and managing resources until the rescue arrives.

Player Experience

Playing Red November is a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled experience where every minute counts. Players must communicate effectively, use their unique skills wisely, and make quick decisions to mitigate the constant crises that threaten their submarine. The game’s cooperative nature fosters teamwork and strategy, while the time pressure adds an element of urgency and excitement.

Pros

Engaging Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork and communication.

High Replayability: Each game is unique due to the variable event deck and player abilities.

Intense Time Pressure: Creates a thrilling and immersive experience.

Unique Theme: The gnomish submarine setting adds a quirky and interesting twist.

Cons

Complex Rules: Can be overwhelming for new players.

Luck Factor: The draw of event cards can significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Length: Games can be quite long, lasting 1-2 hours.

Personal Thoughts on Red November

Red November is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy cooperative games and are looking for a challenging, time-pressed experience. It is particularly suited for groups of friends or family members who can work well together under pressure. However, it may not be the best choice for new gamers due to its complex rules and high level of complexity. If you’re ready for a frantic and engaging adventure, Red November is definitely worth diving into.

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