Illuminati: New World Order (1994) Board Game

Illuminati: New World Order (INWO) is a card game designed by Steve Jackson Games, released in 1994. It’s based on the Illuminati card game and incorporates elements from the ‘Conspiracy Theory’ genre. Players take on the role of secret societies vying for world domination through the control of various groups and organizations.

Key features:

• 2-6 players

• Ages 12 and up

• Playing time: 1-6 hours

• Combines strategy, negotiation, and humor

• Satirical take on conspiracy theories and world politics

Game Components of Illuminati: New World Order

Illuminati Cards

These are the core of each player’s power structure. Examples include:

• The Bavarian Illuminati

• The Network

• The UFOs

• The Servants of Cthulhu

Group Cards

Represent various organizations that can be controlled. Categories include:

• Corporate

• Government

• Media

• Weird

Special Cards

Action cards that can significantly impact gameplay:

• Plot cards

• Event cards

• Disaster cards

  
  

How To Setup Illuminati: New World Order

1. Shuffle the Group cards and Special cards separately, then place them face down in two draw piles.

2. Give each player:

   • 1 Illuminati card (chosen randomly or by agreement)

   • 1 Power Structure sheet

   • 10 Megabucks (MB) as starting funds

3. Place the remaining Megabucks in a central bank area.

4. Each player places their Illuminati card face up in front of them.

5. Deal 4 Group cards face up in the center of the play area to form the initial targets for control.

6. Determine the first player (e.g., roll dice, youngest player, etc.).

Optional Setup Variants

• For a quicker game, deal 1-2 Group cards to each player’s power structure at the start.

• For a more strategic start, allow players to bid MB for their choice of Illuminati.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

• Turn Structure:

  1. Collect Income: Gain Megabucks (MB) from controlled groups

  2. Draw Cards: Draw up to 2 cards (Group or Special)

  3. Take Actions: Use MB for various actions like attacking, transferring money, or playing Special cards

  4. Transfer Money: Move MB between groups in your power structure

• Attacking: Use MB to attempt to control neutral groups or groups controlled by other players

• Special Cards: Play these for various effects, such as boosting attacks, sabotaging opponents, or triggering global events

• Negotiation: Players can make deals, form alliances, or betray each other at any time

The primary goal is to achieve global domination through one of these victory conditions:

• Accumulate a specified number of Groups in your power structure (e.g., 13 groups for a 2-player game)

• Control Groups with a combined Power of 35 or more

• Fulfill your Illuminati card’s special victory condition

The game ends immediately when a player meets any of these conditions, declaring them the winner.

Player Experience

Pros:

• Highly strategic gameplay
• Engaging theme and satirical humor
• Encourages player interaction and negotiation
• Diverse card combinations for replayability
• Satisfying power-building mechanics

Cons:

• Complex rules may be intimidating for new players
• Long playtime (1-6 hours) may be too demanding for some
• Player elimination can lead to downtime
• Potential for analysis paralysis due to many options
• Conspiracy theme may not appeal to everyone

Personal Thoughts on Illuminati: New World Order

Overall, Illuminati: New World Order is a complex and strategic game that will appeal to fans of conspiracy theories and political intrigue. The game’s components are well-made and the artwork is engaging. However, the game may not be for everyone due to its lengthy gameplay and niche theme. It is worth checking out for players who enjoy games with deep strategy and negotiation elements. Those who are not fans of the theme or prefer simpler gameplay may want to skip this one.

Game Components of Illuminati: New World Order