Kingmaker (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kingmaker is a strategy board game that was originally released in 1974 by Avalon Hill. It has since seen various editions and reprints, with the latest edition scheduled for release in in 2023. The game is set during the turbulent times of the War of the Roses in medieval England, where players take on the roles of different noble families vying for power and influence.

Game Components of Kingmaker

Map Board: A map of 15th-century England and nearby lands, marked with walled cities, towns, castles, forests, and roads.

Event Cards: Cards containing random events and battle results.

Crown Cards: Include nobles, titles (e.g., Earl of Essex), and ships for sea transport.

Markers and Counters: Round cardboard pieces with heraldic emblems for nobles, markers for cities and castles, and square counters for ships.

Nobles and Royal Pieces: Each player has a set of nobles and royal pieces with unique backgrounds and heraldic emblems.

How To Setup Kingmaker

To set up Kingmaker, each player is dealt a number of Crown cards based on the number of players (e.g., 12 cards in a 3-player game). Players receive the appropriate counters for each noble family card. Titles and offices are bestowed upon the noble families as per the cards received. The game board is set up with the map of 15th-century England, and the Event and Crown decks are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Players then position their nobles and markers on the board according to the initial setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Event Phase: Draw an Event card and apply its effect.

Movement Phase: Move nobles and ships up to five areas or unlimited distances on roads.

Combat Phase: Resolve battles and sieges based on a ratio system using Event cards.

Parliament Phase: Summon Parliament to assign titles and offices to nobles.

Coronation Phase: Crown a royal family member under your control.

End of Turn Phase: Draw 2 Crown cards and discard 1 Crown card.

The objective is to control the last crowned royal piece or accumulate prestige points by holding key cities, titles, and roles. Players must navigate politics, diplomacy, and warfare to achieve their goals.

Player Experience

Kingmaker offers a rich and complex gameplay experience, especially for fans of historical and strategic games. The game’s mechanics, though initially complex, become smooth once players get into the flow. The dual-sided board and unique playing pieces enhance the game’s visuals and gameplay. Players must balance military strength, political alliances, and strategic card play to succeed. The game also features a solo mode and updated rules, such as Kingmaker II, which adds new win conditions and shorter gameplay.

Pros

Historical Depth: Immersive setting based on the War of the Roses.

Strategic Complexity: Engaging mix of war, diplomacy, and politics.

Variety: Multiple game modes, including solo play and updated variants.

Visual Appeal: High-quality, durable components and a dual-sided board.

Replayability: High due to random events and variable player alliances.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players.

Component Issues: Some reports of jumbled or damaged components upon delivery.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can last up to 120 minutes.

Non-Binding Agreements: Alliances can be volatile, adding unpredictability but also potential frustration.

Personal Thoughts on Kingmaker

Kingmaker is ideal for fans of strategic and historical board games. It is perfect for those who enjoy complex gameplay with deep mechanics and a rich thematic setting. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay, it is a must-play for anyone who enjoys managing armies, forming alliances, and navigating the intricate politics of medieval England. The game’s ability to accommodate solo play and its updated variants make it a versatile addition to any board game collection.

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