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Here I Stand: 500th Anniversary Edition (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Here I Stand: 500th Anniversary Edition is a board game that was released in 2017 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Designed by Ed Beach and published by GMT Games, this game takes players back to the religious and political conflicts of 16th-century Europe.

Game Components of Here I Stand: 500th Anniversary Edition

  • 5 Full-color Counter Sheets**
  • 1 Mounted Map (22″ x 34″)**
  • 135 Strategy Cards**
  • 6 Power Cards**
  • 1 Rules Booklet**
  • 1 Scenario Booklet**
  • 10 Six-sided Dice**
  • 2 Reference Cards**
  • Additional components: Player Aid Cards, Sequence of Play Card, Debater Card, and more.

    How To Setup Here I Stand: 500th Anniversary Edition

    Setting up the game involves laying out the mounted map, distributing the counters and cards to each of the six main powers (Ottomans, Hapsburgs, French, English, Protestants, and the Papacy), and ensuring each player has the necessary player aid cards and rule booklets. The game starts with a pre-turn Diplomacy Phase where players negotiate alliances and deals away from the table, setting the stage for the complex web of alliances and conflicts that will unfold.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Campaign / Battle Card Driven**
  • Dice Rolling**
  • Hand Management**
  • Point to Point Movement**
  • Simulation**
  • Variable Player Powers**

    Objective:

    Each power has a unique path to victory. Players must navigate through a card-driven system, managing resources, forming alliances, and disrupting opponents’ plans. The game emphasizes secret deal-making, diplomatic negotiations, and strategic use of event and response cards to achieve victory.

    Player Experience

    Here I Stand offers a deeply immersive and historically rich experience, spanning 3-8 hours per game session. Players engage in intricate diplomacy, manage complex strategies, and face the unpredictability of historical events. The game is highly interactive, with backstabbing and unexpected turns being a regular occurrence, keeping players on their toes. While it is playable with 3-6 players, the full six-player configuration is highly recommended for the most dynamic experience.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy: Deeply rooted in the history of the Reformation period.
  • Complex Diplomacy: Allows for secret negotiations and alliance-building.
  • Variable Player Powers: Each power has unique strengths and objectives.
  • High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and card combinations ensure no two games are alike.
  • Engaging Mechanics: Combines card-driven strategies with dice rolling and hand management.

    Cons

  • Long Playtime: Games can last from 3 to 8 hours.
  • Complex Rules: Requires a significant learning curve.
  • Missing Components: Some print runs have had issues with missing counters, though these are being addressed by the publisher.

    Personal Thoughts on Here I Stand: 500th Anniversary Edition

    Here I Stand is a masterpiece for those who love historical wargames and complex strategic gameplay. It is ideal for players who appreciate deep historical context, intricate diplomacy, and the challenge of managing multiple facets of gameplay. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and long playtime, it is a must-have for serious board game enthusiasts and history buffs.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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