Histrio (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Histrio is a board game released in 2016 and designed by Bruno Cathala and Christian Martinez. It is published by Bombyx and features artwork by Jérémie Fleury. The game is set in a renaissance fantasy world where players take on the roles of theater directors trying to put on the best show possible.

Game Components of Histrio

Actor cards

Money cards

Animal character cards with special abilities

Secret objective cards

King’s stage with a mood meter

City cards

How To Setup Histrio

Before the game begins, players need to build the King’s stage, which includes a mood meter indicating the King’s preference for either comedies or tragedies. At the start of each round, cards are dealt to eight cities where players can travel to recruit actors.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Programming: Players secretly select a city to travel to and reveal their choices simultaneously.

Set Collection: Players collect actor cards, money cards, and animal character cards.

Game Objective: The goal is to assemble the right team of actors to match the King’s mood, which changes based on the actors recruited. Players earn money at the end of each season based on how well their actors align with the King’s mood. The player with the most money after two seasons wins.

Player Experience

In Histrio, players travel the land recruiting actors to join their troupe, aiming to please the King and earn enough money to fund their performances for a year. The game requires careful planning and a bit of luck, as players must navigate the King’s fickle mood and compete against other troupes. Each round involves strategic decisions about which cities to visit and which actors to recruit.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s Shakespearean-style setting and theatrical theme add a unique and engaging layer to the gameplay.

Strategic Depth: The combination of action programming and set collection mechanics offers a rich and challenging experience.

Social Interaction: The simultaneous reveal of city choices adds a fun and interactive element.

Cons

Luck Factor: The random dealing of cards and the King’s mood changes can introduce a significant amount of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Complexity: While the game is generally accessible, it may require some time for new players to fully grasp the mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Histrio

Histrio is ideal for players who enjoy strategic planning, social interaction, and a touch of luck in their games. It plays best with 3-4 players, making it a great option for smaller to medium-sized gaming groups. The game’s unique theme and mechanics make it a standout in the action programming and set collection categories, offering a fun and challenging experience for those who appreciate strategic gameplay.

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