Here I Stand (2006) Board Game

Here I Stand is a historical board game that was first released in in 2006. It is set during the turbulent period of the Protestant Reformation in Europe, where players take on the roles of major European powers such as England, France, the Ottoman Empire, and the Papacy. The game is known for its deep strategic gameplay and historical accuracy, making it a favorite among history enthusiasts and board game aficionados alike.

Game Components of Here I Stand

Game Board: A point-to-point map of early 16th century Europe.

Cards: Over 100 cards with command points and historical events.

Player Boards: For each of the six major powers.

Counters: For tracking various actions like armies, fleets, and religious influence.

Dice: For resolving combat, debates, and other actions.

Rulebook: Extensive, with around 40 pages of rules.

How To Setup Here I Stand

Setting up Here I Stand involves preparing the game board, distributing player boards and counters, and shuffling the card deck. Each player selects one of the six major powers: the Habsburg Empire, the Ottoman Empire, England, France, the Papacy, or the Protestants. Players receive initial cards and setup their respective boards according to the rules. The game starts in 1517 and spans nine turns, each representing about four years of history.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Driven Mechanics: Players use cards for command points or to enact historical events.

Impulses: Players take turns playing a single card during their impulse.

Command Points: Used for military, political, religious, or exploratory actions.

Events: Represent specific historical details or general occurrences.

Victory Points (VP): Gained through controlling key cities, exploring the New World, religious debates, building structures, and other actions.

Game Objective: The first player to exceed 25 VP or the player with the most VP at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Playing Here I Stand is a complex and immersive experience that requires strategic planning and diplomatic negotiation. The game is known for its deep strategy, involving raising and moving soldiers, initiating religious debates, and managing card draws and timing. Diplomacy plays a crucial role, as players must negotiate with each other to maximize the benefit of their cards, especially those that could aid their opponents.

Pros

Historical Depth: The game offers a rich and well-researched historical context, teaching players about the Reformation and early 16th century Europe.

Complex Strategy: Combines military, political, and religious aspects, making each game unique and challenging.

Diplomacy and Negotiation: Encourages dynamic player interactions and strategic alliances.

High Replayability: With a large number of cards and varied victory conditions, each playthrough is different.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has an extensive rulebook, which can be intimidating for new players.

Long Playtime: Games can last up to a full day, spanning nine turns.

Component Overload: Managing numerous counters and cards can be overwhelming.

Limited Accessibility: Due to its complexity, it is not a game for casual or new board game enthusiasts.

Personal Thoughts on Here I Stand

Here I Stand is a game designed for experienced board game enthusiasts who appreciate historical depth and complex strategy. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy card-driven games and are willing to invest the time and effort into understanding its intricate mechanics. While it can be played with fewer players, the game truly shines with its full complement of six players, making it an ideal choice for dedicated gaming groups. However, its lengthy playtime and complex rules make it less accessible to newer players or those looking for a quick gaming session.

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