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Intrigue (1994) Board Game

ByMichail

Intrigue is a board game designed by Stefan Dorra and published by AMIGO in in 1994. It falls under the negotiation and Renaissance categories, with gameplay centered around tactics such as area majority, auction/bidding, bribery, hand management, and negotiation.

Game Components of Intrigue

  • Player Boards:** Each player has a palace with several rooms, each valued differently (e.g., $1,000, $3,000, $6,000, and $10,000 in the AMIGO edition).
  • Family Members:** Players have scholars or family members with various professions (e.g., clergy, writer, chemist, doctor in the AMIGO edition; knight, merchant, lawyer, writer, clergy in the F.X. Schmid edition).
  • Money:** Paper money is used for bribes, adding to the game’s aesthetic and immersion.
  • Tokens:** Tokens represent the different family members and are used to mark positions in the palaces.

    How To Setup Intrigue

    To set up Intrigue, each player receives a palace board with several empty rooms and a set of family members. The game starts with each player’s palace empty, and the first round involves filling these positions through negotiation and bribery. Players place their family members in the queue to be considered for positions in other players’ palaces.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Core Mechanic:** Players bribe their way into positions within rival families’ businesses.
  • No Obligation Deals:** Accepting a bribe does not bind a player to honor any agreements, leading to unpredictable alliances and betrayals.
  • Negotiation:** Players negotiate and make deals, including promises and threats, to secure jobs for their family members.
  • Game Objective:** The goal is to accumulate the most money by placing family members in high-paying positions in other players’ palaces.

    Player Experience

    Intrigue is known for its intense and often brutal gameplay, testing friendships and relationships. The game is quick, lasting about 45 minutes, and easy to learn, but it demands strategic manipulation and a thick skin. Players must navigate a web of broken deals, betrayals, and underhanded negotiations, making it a unique and engaging experience.

    Pros

  • Lots of Player Interaction:** Encourages active negotiation and bargaining among players.
  • Quick Gameplay:** Games typically last under an hour.
  • Easy to Learn Rules:** Simple and straightforward rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.
  • Unique Experience:** Offers a deeply engaging and brutal gameplay experience.

    Cons

  • Components Could Be Improved:** Some editions have issues with token color choices and component quality.
  • Will Test Friendships:** Not suitable for players with thin skin due to the high level of deceit and betrayal.

    Personal Thoughts on Intrigue

    Intrigue is for players who enjoy strategic manipulation, negotiation, and a healthy dose of betrayal. It is perfect for those looking for a game that will challenge their social skills and tactical thinking. However, it is not recommended for players who are easily offended or have fragile relationships, as the game can be quite brutal. With its quick gameplay and simple rules, Intrigue is an excellent addition to any gaming collection, especially for those who appreciate the complexity of human interactions in a game setting.

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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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