Fugitive (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Fugitive is a two-player card game designed by Tim Fowers and released in in 2017. The game has gained popularity for its unique blend of bluffing, deduction, and hidden movement mechanics. Players take on the roles of a fugitive on the run and a relentless marshal trying to capture them.

Game Components of Fugitive

Card Decks: Three decks of Hideout cards numbered 4-14, 15-28, and 29-41, plus special cards 0, 1, 2, 3, and 42.

Sprint Cards: Cards with footprint icons used to extend the Fugitive’s movement range.

Event Cards: Optional cards introducing random effects to the game.

Marshal’s Notepad: For the Marshal to keep track of their deductions.

Board: A simple board to lay out the Hideout cards.

How To Setup Fugitive

To set up Fugitive, start by placing the 0 card in the middle of the table. The Fugitive receives cards 1, 2, 3, and 42, along with three random cards from the 4-14 deck and two from the 15-28 deck. The remaining cards are shuffled into their respective decks and placed within reach. The Marshal gets a notepad and marker for note-taking.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Asymmetrical Gameplay: One player is the Fugitive, the other is the Marshal.

Deduction: The Marshal must guess the Fugitive’s hideouts.

Hidden Movement: Hideout cards are played face-down.

Sprinting: Using sprint cards to extend movement range.

Optional Events: Random effects that can aid or hinder players.

Game Objective

Fugitive’s Goal: Play the #42 card to escape.

Marshal’s Goal: Guess all of the Fugitive’s hideouts to capture them.

Player Experience

Playing Fugitive is a tense and strategic experience. The Fugitive must navigate through the city, laying down hideouts while trying to mislead the Marshal. Each turn, the Fugitive draws a card and can either play a hideout or pass. The Marshal draws a card and makes guesses about the Fugitive’s hideouts, trying to reveal as many as possible. The game requires careful planning and bluffing, with the Fugitive aiming to reach the #42 card without being caught.

Pros

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

High Replayability: Each game offers different strategies and outcomes.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last around 20 minutes.

Thematic Consistency: Well-integrated theme of a chase, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Strategic Depth: Opportunities for bluffing and deduction add layers to the game.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Luck of the Draw: Card draws can sometimes heavily influence the game’s outcome.

Steep Learning Curve for Deduction: New players may find the Marshal’s role challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Fugitive

Fugitive is ideal for those who enjoy asymmetrical games and deduction mechanics. It’s perfect for couples or friends looking for a quick, intense game that doesn’t require a large setup or a long playtime. The game’s simplicity and thematic coherence make it accessible to new players, while its strategic depth ensures it remains engaging for experienced gamers. If you’re a fan of hidden movement and cat-and-mouse gameplay, Fugitive is definitely worth checking out.

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