Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic (2019) Board Game

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic is based on the novel by Susanna Clarke, which follows two magicians in an alternate history version of England during the Napoleonic Wars. The board game allows players to experience the world of magic and intrigue portrayed in the book.

Game Components of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic

Game Board: Features a map of London and major cities across the British Isles and the Continent.

Player Boards: Each player has a board to track their magical actions and elements.

Social Engagement Cards: Includes Introductions and Invitations that govern player actions.

Spell Element Tokens: Representing elements like wind, trees, rain, and stone.

Connexions Cards: Provide extra powers to players.

Book of Magic Cards: Required for studying and using magical elements.

Gentleman with the Thistledown Hair Tracker: Monitors the faerie antagonist’s power.

Turn Tracker: Represents the years from 1806 to 1817.

How To Setup Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic

To set up the game, place the main board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a magician character and receives their respective player board and starting cards. Shuffle and distribute the Social Engagement Cards, and set up the Gentleman with the Thistledown Hair’s power tracker. Ensure all players understand their starting conditions and the game’s objective.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Players aim to exceed the Gentleman with the Thistledown Hair’s power on specific turns (6, 8, 10, or 12) by accumulating Magicianship points through completing Feats of Magic.

Social Engagement: Players use Introductions and Invitations to gain spell element tokens or Prestige.

Resource Management: Players manage spell element tokens to complete magical feats.

Turn Structure: Each turn represents a year, with players performing actions based on their Social Engagement cards and available resources.

Magical Actions: Players study and use magical elements to complete Feats of Magic, earning Magicianship points.

Player Experience

Playing **Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic** can be a complex and sometimes frustrating experience. The game is more akin to a puzzle than a dynamic game, with players often feeling a lack of agency and unpredictability. Despite its rich theme and detailed components, the gameplay mechanics can lead to significant downtime and random outcomes, making it challenging to plan or mitigate circumstances. The game’s artwork, however, is commendable, with Ian O’Toole’s illustrations standing out.

Pros

Rich Theme: Immerses players in a mythic Victorian England with real magic.

Detailed Components: High-quality artwork and production value.

Complex Puzzle: Offers a challenging and intricate gameplay experience.

Cons

Complexity: Overly complicated rules and mechanics.

Lack of Agency: Players often feel they have little control over the game’s outcome.

Random Outcomes: Significant randomness can lead to frustration.

Downtime: Long turns and frequent distractions can occur.

Personal Thoughts on Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic

This game is best suited for fans of the book and series who are also experienced board game enthusiasts. However, due to its complex and sometimes frustrating gameplay, it may not appeal to casual gamers. The game’s failure to capture the essence of magic and the strategic interactions from the source material can be a significant disappointment for those expecting a more immersive experience. Despite this, it remains a unique and ambitious attempt to translate a rich literary world into a board game.

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