Europe Divided (2020) Board Game

Europe Divided is a two-player board game released in 2020, designed by Bartek Jędrzejewski and illustrated by PHALANX. The game falls under the category of modern warfare and political games, with a focus on area majority/influence, deck-building, hand management mechanics.

Game Components of Europe Divided

Game Board: A mounted map of Europe, less abstracted and rich in colors.

Dice: Colored dice (red for Russia, yellow for the EU, and blue for NATO) with some dice having symbols instead of the six pips.

Cards: Separate Headline Decks, Action Decks, and Advantage Decks for each player.

Coins and Pieces: Metal coins and wooden pieces for armies in the Kickstarter version.

Rule Book: Detailed with illustrations and exemplifications.

How To Setup Europe Divided

To set up the game, each player selects one of the two powers: Europe (controlling both NATO and the European Union) or Russia. The Europe player starts with more cards and money but fewer options to cycle through their deck quickly. Each player has a separate set of decks, including Headline, Action, and Advantage cards. The game is divided into two 10-turn periods: Period 1 (1998-2008) and Period 2 (2009-2019).

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Periods: Two 10-turn periods.

Card Play: Limited form of deck-building using Action and Advantage cards.

Influence: Players build influence in various regions of the map using colored dice.

Victory Points: Achieved by accomplishing short-term goals and scoring influence at the end of turn 10 and the end of the game.

Asymmetric Play: Different basic actions and special actions for each side, reflecting their political and historical perspectives.

Deck Management: Players manage their decks to cycle through cards efficiently.

Player Experience

**Europe Divided** offers a dynamic and balanced gameplay experience. Despite the Europe player starting with more resources, the Russian player can cycle through their deck faster, creating a competitive edge. The game is known for its close matches, with an almost equal balance of wins for both sides. Each game typically lasts between 60-90 minutes, making it a engaging yet manageable session.

Pros

Balanced Gameplay: Close matches with an almost equal balance of wins for both sides.

Deep Strategy: No luck involved, just skill, making each move strategic.

Engaging Mechanics: Limited deck-building and asymmetric play add depth and variety.

Visually Appealing: Richly colored and detailed map.

Cons

Complex Setup: Requires careful setup and understanding of the rules.

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics and card interactions can be complex for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Europe Divided

**Europe Divided** is ideal for fans of strategic board games and those interested in post-Cold War European politics. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and the need for strategic thinking. However, for those who enjoy a challenge and are willing to invest time in understanding the game mechanics, **Europe Divided** offers a highly rewarding and intense gaming experience.

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