Behind the Throne (2016) Board Game

Behind the Throne is a card game designed by Oleksandr Nevskiy and Oleg Sidorenko, published by IGAMES in in 2016. The game is set in a medieval fantasy world where players take on the roles of powerful noble houses vying for control of the kingdom.

Game Components of Behind the Throne

Cards: The game is primarily composed of cards, which include character cards, action cards, and other special ability cards.

Player Boards: Each player has a board to manage their card collections and abilities.

Rulebook: A guide to setting up and playing the game.

How To Setup Behind the Throne

To set up the game, each player chooses a player board and starts with a set of basic character cards. The deck is shuffled, and a certain number of cards are dealt to each player. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. Players then follow the instructions in the rulebook to prepare their starting hands and player boards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players collect and draft cards to build their deck.

Line Drawing: Players draw lines on their player board to connect different areas, which can unlock special abilities.

Push Your Luck: Players must balance risk and reward when drawing cards and taking actions.

Set Collection: Players aim to collect sets of cards to achieve specific goals.

Take That: Players can disrupt their opponents’ plans with certain actions.

Objective: The goal is to gain the most influence by collecting the right sets of cards and using special abilities effectively.

Player Experience

Behind the Throne offers a fast-paced and strategic experience for 2-4 players. The game lasts about 20-30 minutes, making it a quick yet engaging session. Players need to balance their risk-taking with strategic planning, as the push-your-luck mechanic can either greatly reward or penalize them. The game’s medieval fantasy theme adds an exciting layer of depth, with players representing powerful secret organizations vying for control.

Pros

Quick Playtime: The game is relatively short, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Strategic Depth: Despite its short playtime, the game offers a good level of strategic complexity.

Interactive: The “Take That” mechanic allows for direct interaction between players.

Replayability: The random draw of cards and the variety of special abilities ensure high replayability.

Cons

Luck Factor: The push-your-luck mechanic can be frustrating if luck does not favor you.

Limited Player Count: The game is best with 2-4 players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.

Simple Graphics: Some players might find the artwork and components to be less than impressive.

Personal Thoughts on Behind the Throne

Behind the Throne is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a touch of luck and direct player interaction. It is a great addition to any game collection for those who appreciate medieval fantasy themes and quick, engaging gameplay sessions. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with minimal randomness or those looking for a more solitary experience.

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