John Company (2017) – Board Game Guys

John Company

“John Company” is a board game that revolves around the fortunes of the British East India Company (EIC), also known as “John Company,” as it traded with India and China, raised armies, and played a significant role in the history of the East Indies.

Why is John Company Popular?

John Company is a popular and significant board game for several reasons:
– Historical Accuracy: The game allows players to experience some of the issues that affected the historical EIC between 1710 and the 1860s, such as conquering Indian kingdoms, installing a Governor-General, and trafficking opium to China.
– Strategic Gameplay: The game combines economic and strategic elements, requiring players to make decisions based on historical context and their knowledge of the EIC’s operations.
– Positive Reception: John Company has received positive reviews and was featured on Smithsonian magazine’s list of the best board games of 2022.

Game Components of John Company

High-quality six-panel board

Punchboard coins and player boards

108 wooden family pieces with 18 unique designs in 6 colors

Beautiful resin elephant, stackable tower pieces, and metal flags

Over 200 cards (94 Bridge and 166 mini euro) featuring period artwork

4 different scenarios and a robust automated opponent for 1-2 player games.

How To Setup John Company

Setting up John Company involves distributing random bonuses such as money, positions in the Company, influence on the Prime Minister, and promise cards to each player. Players represent families owning shares in or having members working for the East India Company. The board displays a map of India, rewards for employees who retire, and information about the Company and the game state. Each player receives a set of five promise cards that can be used during negotiations.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Style: Interactive history tabletop board game with economic, negotiation, and strategic elements.

Number of Players: 1-6 players.

Playing Time: 1.5-4 hours.

Mechanics:
– Dice rolling for various actions.
– Negotiation and voting among players.
– Collective management of the East India Company.
– Trade, conquest, and political influence.
– Retirement of family members to gain points and establish estates.

Objective: Players aim to collectively steer the fate of the East India Company while competing to acquire the most prestige and points through their individual family’s achievements and the Company’s success or failure.

Player Experience

Playing John Company is a complex and engaging experience. Players must navigate the intricate bureaucracy of the East India Company, make deals, trade, and wage wars. The game is known for its high level of negotiation, as players must often borrow money from each other and fulfill promises to achieve their goals. The game’s setting, spanning the early 18th century to the 19th century, adds a layer of historical depth and educational value. With multiple scenarios and an automated opponent, the game offers variability and replayability.

Pros

Historical Depth: Offers an uncompromising portrait of the British East India Company and its impact.

Complex Gameplay: Combines economic, negotiation, and strategic elements for a rich gaming experience.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and an automated opponent for solo or two-player games.

Educational Value: Provides insights into colonial history and the operations of the East India Company.

Immersive Experience: Engaging gameplay with a strong focus on player interaction and negotiation.

Cons

Complexity: The game is not easy to understand or play, with a steep learning curve.

Long Setup and Playtime: Requires significant time for setup and each game session.

Rulebook Clarity: Some reviews suggest the rulebook could be better written for clarity.

Personal Thoughts on John Company

John Company is for history enthusiasts and experienced board game players who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong negotiation component. It is ideal for those who appreciate games that challenge them and offer a deep, immersive experience. However, due to its complexity and lengthy playtime, it may not be suitable for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, straightforward game. The game’s unique theme and mechanics make it a standout in the board game community, but it is certainly not for everyone.

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