Guards! Guards! A Discworld Boardgame (2011) Board Game

Guards! Guards! A Discworld Boardgame is a board game based on Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, specifically the City Watch sub-series. The game was released in 2011 and is designed for 2-6 players, with a recommended player count of

The game is filled with humor, quirky characters, and challenges inspired by the beloved Discworld novels.

Game Components of Guards Guards A Discworld Boardgame

Playing Board

Rule book

8 Guild Cards

Player’s Guide

4 Dragon Cards

30 Shades & Shadows Volunteer Cards

30 Man & Beast Volunteer Cards

30 Lords & Ladies Volunteer Cards

36 Fate Cards

1 Luggage Piece

20 Odds & Sods Item cards

20 Curses & Cures Scroll Cards

Saboteur Tokens for each guild (Assassins, Thieves, Fools, Alchemists)

Alchemists Fire Water markers

Pox Markers

Spell Run Tokens

Spell Returned Tokens

1 8-sided die

Coloured Playing Pieces

Ankh-Morpork coins (Gold and Silver)

Attribute Markers (red cubes)

Great Spell Markers (gold cylinders).

How To Setup Guards Guards A Discworld Boardgame

To set up the game, each player starts at their respective guild quadrant on the board, which is divided into quadrants for Assassins, Thieves, Fools, and Alchemists. Each player selects a guild and receives a corresponding Guild Card that outlines their Charm, Magic, and Guild abilities. The board is populated with various volunteer cards from three decks: Lords & Ladies, Man & Beast, and Shades & Shadows. Players also prepare the Fate Cards, Dragon Cards, and other items and tokens according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2-6 players.

Game Category: Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, Dice Rolling, Secret Unit Deployment, Simultaneous Action Selection.

Objective: Each player must collect and return five of the eight Great Spells marked on their Guild Card to the Unseen University before any other player.

Mechanics:
– Recruit volunteers by charming or bribing them using the Charm value from the Guild Card.
– Use volunteers to complete Spell Runs, which involve navigating to the spell location and then back to the Unseen University.
– Complete Wizards Challenges by totaling the attribute scores of successful volunteers, along with any bonuses from items or magic and a dice roll.
– Utilize guild-specific abilities and items like enchanted scrolls, weapons, and magical items to aid in Spell Runs.
– Summon dragons or use saboteurs to hinder opponents.

Player Experience

Playing **Guards Guards** is an engaging and dynamic experience, especially for fans of the Discworld series. The game combines strategy with a dash of luck, as players navigate the complexities of Ankh-Morpork to retrieve the Great Spells. While the initial rules can be cumbersome and take time to understand, the gameplay itself is relatively straightforward once you get started. The unique quotes from the books on each volunteer card and the humorous passages in the rulebook add to the game’s charm.

Pros

Immersive Theme: Deeply rooted in the Discworld universe, making it a treat for fans.

Strategic Depth: Combines recruitment, resource management, and strategic challenges.

Humor and Detail: Incorporates quotes and passages from the books, adding to the game’s authenticity.

Dynamic Gameplay: Includes random hazards and the ability to summon dragons, keeping the game exciting.

Cons

Complex Rules: The initial setup and rules can be overwhelming, taking over an hour to read through.

Luck Factor: The game’s outcome can be heavily influenced by luck, such as dice rolls and card draws.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can take around 120 minutes to complete, which may deter some players.

Personal Thoughts on Guards Guards A Discworld Boardgame

**Guards Guards** is ideal for fans of the Discworld series and those who enjoy complex, strategic board games. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its intricate rules, it offers a rich and engaging experience for those willing to invest the time. The game’s unique blend of strategy, luck, and humor makes it a standout in the board game community, especially for those who appreciate the whimsical world created by Terry Pratchett.

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