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Jekyll vs. Hyde (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Jekyll vs. Hyde’ is a card game based on the classic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” The game was released in 2021 by Mandoo Games and designed by Geonil, with artwork by Vincent Dutrait. It is a 2-player game that pits the two personas of Dr. Jekyll against each other in a battle for control.

Game Components of Jekyll vs. Hyde

  • Deck of cards** with three suits (red, purple, green) and numbered from 2 to 9.
  • Potion cards** that trigger special abilities.
  • Identity board** with a track representing Dr. Jekyll’s identity.
  • Marker** to track progress on the identity board.
  • Card tokens** and symbols for color-blind assistance.

    How To Setup Jekyll vs. Hyde

    To set up the game, each player is dealt a hand of 10 cards, with the remaining 5 cards not used in the current round. Players then exchange a number of cards facedown with each other, equal to the round number. If a player has two or more Potion cards, at least one of the passed cards must be a Potion card. The starting player leads the first trick.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Trick-taking: Players must play a card of the same color as the lead card or a Potion card if possible.
  • Suit Hierarchy: The first suit played in a round becomes the weakest, the second suit becomes the second strongest, and the third suit is the strongest.
  • Potion Cards: Special abilities include card exchanges, trick theft, and altering the suit hierarchy.
  • Objective:
  • Dr. Jekyll: Aim to maintain balance by ensuring both players win an equal number of tricks. The goal is to keep the identity marker from reaching the end of the track.
  • Mr. Hyde: Aim to create a difference in the number of tricks won between the players to move the identity marker towards his side.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Jekyll vs. Hyde** feels like a dynamic tug of war between balance and chaos. Dr. Jekyll must strive for equality in trick wins, which can be challenging as control of the lead shifts frequently. Mr. Hyde, on the other hand, revels in chaos, aiming to disrupt this balance and dominate the game. The game’s short duration and the use of potions add a layer of unpredictability and strategy.

    Pros

  • Lovely Gothic Art: The game features gothic-inspired art by Vincent Dutrait, adding to its theme.
  • Changing Suit Hierarchy: The dynamic suit hierarchy keeps the game engaging and strategic.
  • Solid Component Quality: The cards and components are of high quality and durable.
  • Quick and Easy to Teach: The game is straightforward to learn and plays quickly.
  • Role-Dependent Playstyle: Each role offers a unique play experience, encouraging players to try both sides.

    Cons

  • Potential Bias Towards Mr. Hyde: Some players have noted that the game might be slightly tilted in favor of Mr. Hyde, although this can be mitigated with the advanced variant.
  • May Not Stand Out for Avid Fans: For players accustomed to a wide range of trick-taking games, **Jekyll vs. Hyde** might not offer something entirely new.

    Personal Thoughts on Jekyll vs. Hyde

    **Jekyll vs. Hyde** is ideal for fans of trick-taking games and those who enjoy strategic, two-player experiences. The game’s unique mechanics and the contrast between the two roles make it engaging and replayable. While it may not be as satisfying for some compared to other favorites, it offers a fresh and challenging experience that is well worth exploring. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy with thematic depth, **Jekyll vs. Hyde** is a great addition to your collection.

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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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