Campaign Trail (2019) Board Game

Campaign Trail is a political board game that was released in 2019 by Cosmic Wombat Games. Designed by David Cornelius, Nathan Cornelius, and Jeff Cornelius, this game allows players to experience the excitement and strategy of running a political campaign.

Game Components of Campaign Trail

Game board

Player boards

Candidate meeples

Issue cards

Strategy cards

Money tokens

Influence cubes

Event cards

How To Setup Campaign Trail

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a candidate meeple and places it on the starting space.

Shuffle the issue cards and place them face down on the board.

Shuffle the strategy cards and deal three to each player.

Each player starts with a certain amount of money tokens and influence cubes.

Determine a starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Campaign Trail, players take on the role of political candidates vying for votes in various states. By playing strategy cards, managing resources, and campaigning in different regions, players aim to secure the most electoral votes to win the election.

The game involves area majority/influence, area movement, campaign/battle card-driven mechanics, hand management, team-based gameplay, and variable player powers. The objective is to strategically campaign in states to gain the most electoral votes and win the election.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging and thematic gameplay

Strategic decision-making

Variable player powers add replayability

Team-based mechanics create interesting dynamics

Cons:

Can be complex for new players

Lengthy playtime may not be suitable for all groups

Personal Thoughts on Campaign Trail

Campaign Trail is a well-designed political board game that offers a unique gaming experience. The build quality of the components is solid, and the artwork by Christian Strain adds to the thematic appeal of the game. The category of political games is relatively niche, but Campaign Trail stands out as a standout choice for those interested in this theme.

While the pricing may be a bit higher than some other board games, the replay value and strategic depth make it worth the investment for enthusiasts of political strategy games. Both used and new copies of the game are available, allowing players to find a copy that fits their budget.

For those who enjoy strategic gameplay and political themes, Campaign Trail is definitely worth your time. It offers a challenging and immersive experience that will keep players engaged throughout the game. However, those who prefer lighter or shorter games may want to skip this one, as it can be quite involved and time-consuming. Ultimately, Campaign Trail is a must-have for fans of political board games looking for a unique and engaging gaming experience.

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