Agricola, Master of Britain (2016) Board Game

Agricola, Master of Britain is a board game released in 2016 that allows players to step into the shoes of Roman governors in Britain during the Roman conquest. Designed by Gonzalo Santacruz and Ania B. Ziolkowska, this game offers a unique blend of ancient history, politics, and war strategy in a solo gameplay setting.

Game Components of Agricola, Master of Britain

Mapsheet representing Britannia during Agricola’s time

3 Chit-Pull Cups for tracking tribal allegiance (Friendly, Unfriendly, Hostile)

Legionary Units and counters

Garrison and Settlement units

Tribal Boxes for 16 different tribes

Victory Track and Game Turn Record Track

Coin and Victory Point tokens

Battle Board and Legion Holding Boxes

Agricola counter for special leader actions

How To Setup Agricola, Master of Britain

To set up the game, you need to organize the mapsheet, which includes placing the Legionary Camps, Tribal Boxes, and initial tribal units. You also need to set up the 3 Chit-Pull Cups and distribute the chits according to the starting conditions. The player must place their Legionary Units on the mapsheet and ensure the Battle Board and Legion Holding Boxes are ready for tracking combat and unit movements. The game comes with a detailed setup guide to help you get everything in place quickly and efficiently.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Solitaire Wargame

Mechanics: Chit-Pull System, Area Control, Resource Management, Variable Player Powers

Game Objective: Generate enough Victory Points (VP) to meet the thresholds set for each turn. The game lasts eight turns, and you must accumulate 75 or more VP by the end to win.

Key Actions:
– Use Legionary Units to attack tribes and build Garrisons and Settlements.
– Manage the 3 Chit-Pull Cups to influence tribal allegiance.
– Utilize Agricola’s special leader actions to boost your efforts.
– Deal with raids and tribal de-escalation.
– Build a VP engine through promoting legionaries, creating settlements, and defeating tribal leaders.

Player Experience

Playing **Agricola, Master of Britain** is an intense and challenging experience. You must balance military, diplomatic, and economic actions to keep the tribes under control and meet the VP thresholds. The game is marked by a high level of randomness, especially through the chit-pull system and die rolls, which can significantly impact your strategy. Despite this, the game remains engaging, forcing you to adapt and make strategic decisions under pressure.

Pros

Innovative Chit-Pull System: Allows for dynamic tracking of tribal allegiance and reactions.

Deep Strategic Depth: Requires a blend of military, administrative, and diplomatic actions.

High Replayability: Randomness and varied starting conditions ensure each game is different.

Thematic Immersion: Effectively captures the historical context and challenges of Roman governance in Britain.

Cons

Luck and Randomness: Can be frustrating due to bad die rolls or unfavorable chit pulls.

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming, though it becomes quicker with practice.

Steep Learning Curve: The game has many interconnected mechanics, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Agricola, Master of Britain

**Agricola, Master of Britain** is ideal for players who enjoy solitaire wargames and are looking for a challenging, thematic experience. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate historical games and are willing to navigate the complexities of resource management, area control, and variable player powers. While it may not be the best fit for players who dislike randomness or are new to wargaming, it offers a rewarding experience for those who persevere and master its intricate mechanics.

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