Donning the Purple (2018) Board Game

Donning the Purple is a board game released in 2018, designed by Petter Schanke Olsen and published by Tompet Games. The game is set in ancient Rome, where players take on the roles of powerful patricians competing for influence and control over the empire.

Game Components of Donning the Purple

Game board divided into 4 regions with 6 provinces each

Player pawns and legionnaire tokens

Barbarian tokens

Famine tokens

Plot cards

Glory dice

Money and victory point tokens

Hidden Agenda cards

Senate tokens (for solo mode)

How To Setup Donning the Purple

To set up the game, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a powerful family in ancient Rome and places their pawn on the board. The Emperor, initially one of the players, is responsible for rolling a d6 to determine which provinces will be invaded by barbarian tribes. Place two barbarian tokens in each province indicated by the roll, unless the province is already occupied by legionnaires or a player pawn. Distribute the necessary tokens and cards according to the number of players and the game mode (solo or multi-player).

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Asymmetrical king of the hill, Area Control, Area Influence

Mechanics: Action Selection, Card Play, Dice Rolling, Hand Management

Objective: The primary goal is to become the Emperor and maintain the position to earn victory points. Players must balance defending the Roman Empire from barbarian invasions with plotting to overthrow the current Emperor.

Game Phases:

Incoming Enemies: Barbarians invade Rome based on a d6 roll.

Player Actions: Players take turns performing actions such as placing buildings, eliminating barbarians, and using Plot cards.

Emperor’s Duties: The Emperor must manage the happiness of the population and defend against barbarians.

Yearly Victory Points: The Emperor earns victory points based on the population’s happiness.

Game End: After four years, players score additional victory points from their Hidden Agenda and leftover resources; the player with the most victory points wins.

Player Experience

In **Donning the Purple**, players are immersed in the intricate politics and defensive strategies of ancient Rome. The game is a unique blend of cooperative and competitive elements, where players work together to keep the empire thriving but also plot against each other to gain the coveted Emperor title. The constant pressure from invading barbarians and the ever-changing board state keep players on their toes, requiring strategic thinking and timely action.

Pros

Unique Gameplay: Combines asymmetrical gameplay with action selection and card play.

High Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and changing board states ensure no two games are alike.

Strategic Depth: Balancing personal ambitions with the need to protect the empire adds layers of strategy.

Solo Mode: Offers a distinct and challenging solo experience with modified rules.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s complex mechanics and multiple phases can be overwhelming for new players.

Lengthy Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the many components and initial placements.

Interplayer Conflict: The competitive nature can lead to direct conflict between players, which may not appeal to all.

Personal Thoughts on Donning the Purple

**Donning the Purple** is ideal for fans of complex, strategic board games who enjoy a mix of cooperative and competitive gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate deep strategy, intricate mechanics, and the challenge of adapting to a dynamic game environment. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to dive in and master its nuances.

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