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AFFLICTION: Salem 1692 (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

AFFLICTION: Salem 1692 is a board game that takes players back to the infamous Salem witch trials of

  • Designed by Lissanne Lake and published in 2017, this game allows players to experience the hysteria and paranoia of this dark period in history.

    • Game Components of AFFLICTION: Salem 1692

  • Main Esteemed Board**
  • 4-Player Boards**
  • 12-Prominent Colonist cards**
  • 29-Colonist cards**
  • 2-End Game cards**
  • 6-Grievance cards**
  • 4-Reference cards**
  • Tokens:
    – 36-Accusation tokens
    – 40-Influence tokens
    – 15-Fear tokens
    – 1-Spectral Evidence token
    – 1-First Player token
    – 1-Protection token
    – 1-Rules Sheet
    – 1-Quick Start guide

    How To Setup AFFLICTION: Salem 1692

    To set up the game, each player places their starting colonist in their circle. Before shuffling the Colonist deck, remove Mary Spencer Hill and Increase Mather. The Quickstart sheet guides the initial token distribution, ensuring that players understand the use of tokens instead of messengers. The game is ready to begin once all colonists and tokens are appropriately placed.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Worker Placement: Players vie for limited actions each turn.
  • Engine Building: Players build their influence and capabilities over the game.
  • Engine Disruption: Mechanisms to disrupt other players’ strategies.
  • Objective: Use influence to protect allies, accuse rivals of witchcraft, and manage the fear and paranoia within the community of Salem.
  • Actions:
    – Bring colonists into your circle.
    – Ask the Governor to protect individuals.
    – Request the Magistrate to arrest others.
    – Seek the Judge’s help to gain more influence.
    – Utilize Cotton Mather to spread suspicion.

    Player Experience

    Playing **AFFLICTION: Salem 1692** immerses players in the intense and paranoid atmosphere of the Salem witch trials. The game requires strategic thinking and social interaction, as players must navigate the complex web of relationships and rivalries within the town and village. The thematic design and historical context add a layer of depth, making it more than just a game of strategy.

    Pros

  • Thematic Depth: The game stays true to the historical events, providing an authentic experience.
  • Strategic Complexity: Combines worker placement, engine building, and disruption mechanics for a dynamic gameplay.
  • Social Interaction: Encourages players to influence and manipulate each other’s actions.
  • Unique Mechanics: Offers a distinct gaming experience compared to other strategy games.

    Cons

  • Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple mechanics and strategies involved.
  • Setup Time: Requires some time to set up and understand the initial rules and components.
  • Replayability: While the game has engine building and disruption, some players might find the core mechanics repetitive after several plays.

    Personal Thoughts on AFFLICTION: Salem 1692

    **AFFLICTION: Salem 1692** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with deep thematic elements. It is particularly suited for those interested in historical settings and social deduction games. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those who prefer lighter, more straightforward gameplay. For fans of complex strategy and historical immersion, this game is a standout addition to any board game collection.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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