Copycat (2012) Board Game

Copycat is a board game that was released in in 2012. Designed by Friedemann Friese and published by 2F-Spiele, this game has garnered attention for its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging player experience. With a focus on card game and political elements, Copycat offers a different kind of gaming experience for players.

## Game Components of Copycat
– Deck of cards for each player, starting with seven money cards and three Victory Point cards
– Worker markers for each player
– Action cards with various effects
– Board featuring action spaces
– Money tokens
– Victory Point tokens
– Green chips for marking unused actions
– PhD or Doctorate cards for end-game scoring

## How To Setup Copycat
To set up Copycat, each player starts with a deck of seven money cards and three Victory Point cards. Each player places a marker on the turn order track and the score track. Players also receive three worker markers. The board is set up with action cards and spaces for worker placement. Additional cards are included for games with more players to ensure enough action spaces.

## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Deck Building**: Players can acquire new cards to improve their deck.
– **Worker Placement**: Players place workers on action spaces to gain benefits such as drawing cards, getting money, or earning Victory Points.
– **Turn Order**: Determined by the highest number on a drawn card, with ties resolved by reversing the order.
– **Action Resolution**: Players resolve the effects of the actions where they placed their workers.
– **Buy Phase**: Players can buy new cards using money earned during their turn.
– **Victory Points**: Earned through various actions, Victory Point cards, and PhD/Doctorate cards at the end of the game.
– **Game End**: The game ends after five rounds or when all PhD/Doctorate cards are bought.

## Player Experience
Copycat offers a dynamic and strategic experience, blending the depth of deck building with the tactical placement of workers. Players must balance their short-term needs with long-term strategies to build an efficient deck and maximize their Victory Points. The game requires a mix of planning and adaptability as new action cards are revealed each round.

### Pros
– **Engaging Mechanics**: Combines deck building and worker placement for a rich gameplay experience.
– **Strategic Depth**: Players need to plan and adapt to new actions each round.
– **Variable Setup**: Different number of players changes the available action spaces, adding replayability.

### Cons
– **Complexity**: The combination of mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.
– **Length**: Games can be lengthy due to the complexity and depth of strategies.

## Personal Thoughts on Copycat
Copycat is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic games with multiple layers of complexity. It is particularly suited for fans of Dominion and Agricola, as it integrates similar mechanics in a unique way. However, it may not be the best choice for new players due to its complex rules and gameplay.

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