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Masques (2010) Board Game

ByMichail

Masques is a board game released in 2010 by Arclight Games. Designed by Charles Chevallier, Catherine Dumas, and Pascal Pelemans, the game is set in the Renaissance period and revolves around political intrigue and influence. With beautiful artwork by Miguel Coimbra, Édouard Guiton, and Goulven Quentel, Masques offers players an immersive experience in a world of deception and strategy.

Game Components of Masques

  • Guest cards** with varying levels of influence
  • Faction cards** numbered 1 to 4 for each player
  • Coin cards** and **seal cards** forming the game grid
  • Resource cards** representing different types (e.g., books, grapes)
  • Special ability cards** (e.g., thieves, switchers)

    How To Setup Masques

    To set up Masques, players start by forming a grid with coin cards and seal cards. For a three-player game, the grid is a square with five cards per side. Each player receives a different faction and shuffles the faction cards, including one extra faction that is not being played. Players begin with a small amount of money and a hand of guest cards.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Drafting: Players assemble their hand through a draft.
  • Area Control: Players place special ability cards between coin and seal cards to influence resource distribution.
  • Resource Collection: Players aim to collect resources by strategically placing their cards.
  • Game Objective: The first player to collect one of each resource type or four of the same resource type wins the game.

    Player Experience

    Masques offers a dynamic and engaging experience, with players constantly scheming and plotting to outmaneuver their opponents. The game involves significant strategic thinking, as players must weigh the costs and benefits of using special ability cards, which become more expensive over time.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and strategic thinking.
  • Interactive Gameplay: Players actively influence each other’s progress through their card placements.
  • Variety: The random distribution of resources and the varying abilities of the cards ensure each game is unique.

    Cons

  • Graphic Design: The game’s layout can become cluttered, lacking a cohesive board to organize the components.
  • Component Management: Players need to manage a large number of cards, which can be cumbersome.

    Personal Thoughts on Masques

    Masques is ideal for players who enjoy complex strategy, drafting mechanics, and interactive gameplay. It suits players looking for a challenging game that requires careful planning and tactical execution. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games with a more streamlined setup or a more polished visual presentation. Despite its graphical drawbacks, Masques offers a rich and engaging gaming experience that can appeal to fans of strategic card games.

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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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