Brutal Kingdom (2016) Board Game

Brutal Kingdom is a card game designed by Michael Rieneck and published by 999 Games in in 2016. It is a game that involves strategy, deduction, and hidden roles, set in a world of political intrigue among animals. The game has received mixed reviews from players and critics, with some praising its unique gameplay mechanics and others criticizing its lack of depth.

Game Components of Brutal Kingdom

Deck of cards featuring various animals

Player boards

Tokens and markers

Rulebook

How To Setup Brutal Kingdom

To set up the game, each player chooses an animal card and places it on their player board. The remaining animal cards are shuffled and dealt out in a specific manner, with some cards placed face down and others face up. The tokens and markers are distributed according to the rules outlined in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players use animal cards to form alliances, betray each other, and gather points.

Deduction: Players must deduce which animals are in alliances and which are solitary.

Area Control: Players aim to control different territories represented by the cards.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by forming advantageous alliances and controlling key territories.

Player Experience

**Brutal Kingdom** is known for its engaging and fast-paced gameplay. Players appreciate the high-quality artwork and the simplicity of learning the game. The game’s theme, centered around the law of the jungle where it’s “kill or be killed,” adds a layer of excitement and strategic depth.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game has simple rules, making it accessible to new players.

High-Quality Artwork: The cards and components are praised for their visual quality.

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Games are typically quick, lasting around 30-45 minutes.

Value for Money: Players find the game to be a good value given its price and quality.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for 3-4 players, limiting its flexibility.

Repetitive: Some players find the gameplay mechanics to become repetitive over multiple sessions.

Personal Thoughts on Brutal Kingdom

**Brutal Kingdom** is ideal for those who enjoy strategic card games with a hint of deception and deduction. It’s a great addition to any game collection for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, quick game night experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking complex, long-term strategy games or games that support a larger player count.

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