Free at Last (2022) Board Game

Free at Last is a political card game released in 2022, designed by Jacob Walker and featuring artwork by The Dietz Foundation. The game allows 2-6 players to engage in a semi-cooperative experience where players must navigate various political scenarios and work towards their own goals while also considering the overall well-being of the group.

Game Components of Free at Last

Player Boards: Representing civil rights organizations like SNCC, CORE, and NAACP.

Project Cards: Detailing projects such as school desegregation, accommodation, and securing voting rights.

Strategy Cards: Used to activate special individuals and events.

Leader Tokens: Featuring historical figures from the Civil Rights Movement.

Resistance Cubes: Indicating the obstacles to be overcome.

Freedom Markers: Awarded for completing projects.

Legislation Cards: Introducing ongoing effects that benefit players in later rounds.

How To Setup Free at Last

To set up the game, players first distribute the leader tokens among the organizations, placing some in the ready section and others in reserve. Each player selects their button tokens and places them near the cube and impact tracks. Markers are positioned on the board to track commitment, social, and systemic resistance. The game board also includes a map, though it is primarily used for tracking rather than navigation.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to complete projects, each represented by a project card.

Project Completion: Players must remove resistance cubes from project stages using strategy cards.

Strategy Card Play: Cards are played during the direct action phase, affecting the current project or all projects collectively.

Legislation: Players collectively pass legislation cards, which introduce beneficial effects for later rounds.

Objective: The main goal is to complete a number of projects equal to the number of players plus one.

Game Length: Multiple game lengths are available, including 3 turns (ending with the Freedom Rides), 6 turns (ending with the March on Washington), or a 9-turn game covering the entire period.

Player Experience

**Free at Last** offers an immersive experience, allowing players to take on the roles of civil rights organizations during a pivotal moment in American history. The game is card-driven, with each card having a dual function – a number to activate individuals and an event text that can either help or hinder progress. Players must strategize together, managing resistance and leveraging the strengths of historical figures to achieve their goals.

Pros

Educational Value: Provides a deep dive into the Civil Rights Movement.

Cooperative Spirit: Encourages teamwork and strategic planning.

Historical Accuracy: Incorporates real events and figures from the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

Variable Game Length: Offers different game lengths to suit player preferences.

Cons

Complexity: The game has multiple phases and rules, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Setup Time: Requires careful setup and distribution of components.

Theme Sensitivity: Deals with serious historical themes, which may be emotionally challenging for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Free at Last

**Free at Last** is ideal for those interested in historical board games and cooperative gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate strategic depth and are willing to invest time in understanding the game mechanics. The game is a great educational tool, making it a valuable addition to any board game collection focused on historical themes and cooperative play. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players seeking a light, quick gaming experience.

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