Mistborn: House War (2017) Board Game

Mistborn: House War is a board game based on the popular Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson. Crafty Games released the game in 2017, bringing the world of Scadrial to life for fans of the novels. With a focus on negotiation and strategy, players take on the roles of the Great Houses vying for power in the Final Empire.

Game Components of Mistborn: House War

Resource Tokens: Food, Money, Prestige, Skaa, Warriors, and Atium

Personality Cards: Used for various effects, such as reducing resource requirements

Problem Cards: Scenarios that players must solve to earn Favor

House Boards: Representing the six playable Great Houses of Luthadel

Unrest Track: Measures the social unrest in the Final Empire

Favor Tokens: Representing the players’ standing with the Lord Ruler

Card Art: Featuring characters from the Mistborn series, such as Vin, Kelsier, and Elend Venture.

How To Setup Mistborn: House War

To set up the game, each player chooses a Great House of Luthadel and receives the corresponding House Board and starting resources. The Problem cards are shuffled and placed on a track, with the Vin card being a special trigger for the game’s end. The Unrest track is reset, and Favor tokens are distributed. Players start with a set of Personality cards and resources, ready to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Final Empire.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Semi-Cooperative Gameplay: Players cooperate to solve collective problems while competing for individual Favor.

Resource Management: Players manage six types of resources to solve problems and maintain their house’s stability.

Problem Cards: Players slide these cards down a track, solving them to earn Favor and avoid negative effects.

Personality Cards: Used to influence gameplay, manipulate resources, and sabotage opponents.

Negotiation: Players form alliances, make deals, and undermine each other to achieve their goals.

Game End Conditions: The game ends when Vin is solved or erupts, or when the Unrest level reaches 8. The player with the most Favor wins if Unrest is below 8; otherwise, the player with the least Favor wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Mistborn: House War** involves a delicate balance between cooperation and competition. Players must navigate the complex social dynamics of the Final Empire, solving problems that threaten the stability of the realm while jockeying for position and Favor with the Lord Ruler. The game is marked by intense negotiations, strategic card play, and the constant risk of unrest and rebellion. While the game can be engaging, it is also known for its lengthy gameplay and potential for inconsistent mechanics.

Pros

Deep Negotiation Mechanics: Encourages strategic alliances and backroom deals.

Thematic Immersion: Strongly integrated into the Mistborn universe, appealing to fans of the series.

Complex Strategy: Requires players to manage resources, solve problems, and navigate social intrigue.

Variable Gameplay: Each game can be different due to the random draw of Problem cards and player interactions.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can stretch from 90 to 150 minutes, with potential lulls in the middle.

Inconsistent Mechanics: Some cards and resources are more powerful than others, leading to imbalance.

Rules Looseness: The game encourages house-ruling, which may not appeal to all players.

Endgame Strategy Shift: Players often focus on short-term gains towards the end, which can disrupt long-term strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Mistborn: House War

**Mistborn: House War** is ideal for fans of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series and those who enjoy complex, semi-cooperative games with deep negotiation mechanics. It is suited for players who appreciate strategic resource management and the intricacies of social intrigue. However, due to its lengthy gameplay and potential inconsistencies, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a quick or highly balanced gaming experience. The game’s thematic depth and immersive setting make it a compelling choice for those willing to invest the time and effort into mastering its intricacies.

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