A board game titled "Kingmaker" depicting medieval imagery and styled text on the boxcover, with the subtitle "War of the Roses – 15th Century" and a small illustration of knights and nobles at the bottom. The top border is adorned with various coats of arms.
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Kingmaker (2023)

ByMichail

Kingmaker

Kingmaker is a board game for 2-7 players that was created by Andrew McNeil in the early 1960s. The game is set in 15th-century England and players control one or more royal families. The objective of the game is to gain control of the crown by eliminating rival factions through war, diplomacy, and politics. Kingmaker was published in the UK in 1974 by Philmar, and a revised edition was published in North America by Avalon Hill the following year. The game has since been reissued by various publishers, including TM Games and Gibsons Games. In 1994, Avalon Hill produced a computer game version of Kingmaker.

Why is Kingmaker Popular?

Kingmaker is considered a classic board game and has been included in the book “Hobby Games: The 100 Best”. Game designer Greg Stafford has praised the game for its fun and replayability, stating that it is a “multi-player political wargame that is largely abstract, thus lacking a lot of the fussy detail required of a true historical simulation”. The game’s popularity can be attributed to its unique combination of political maneuvering and battles, as well as its historical setting.

Game Components of Kingmaker

  • Map Board: A map of 15th-century England and nearby lands, divided into square areas and marked with walled cities, towns, castles, forests, and roads.
  • Event Cards: Contain random events on the upper half and battle results on the lower half.
  • Crown Cards: Include nobles, titled and untitled, titles such as “Earl of Essex” or “Duke of Exeter,” and ships for sea transport.
  • Round Cardboard Pieces: Heraldic emblems showing nobles’ positions on the map.
  • Markers and Counters: Used to denote cities, castles, and ships under player control.

    How To Setup Kingmaker

    To set up the game, each player is dealt a number of Crown cards based on the number of players. For example, in a 3-player game, each player receives 12 cards. Players then bestow titles and offices on their nobles using the appropriate counters. The game map is laid out, and the Event and Crown decks are prepared. Players place their noble pieces on the map according to the initial setup rules.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Turns: Each turn consists of an Event Phase, a Movement Phase, a Combat Phase, and an End of Turn Phase. Additional phases like Parliament and Coronation can occur under specific conditions.
  • Movement: Nobles can move up to five areas or unlimited distances on roads, avoiding forests.
  • Combat: Combat is diceless and uses a ratio-based system with Event cards to determine the outcome. Defeated nobles can be captured, executed, or ransomed.
  • Parliament: Players vote on titles and offices, which can significantly impact gameplay.
  • Objective: The goal is to control the last surviving royal claimant or achieve other win conditions such as gaining prestige points for holding key cities, titles, and roles in Kingmaker II.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Kingmaker** involves a complex mix of politics, diplomacy, and military strategy. Players must navigate shifting alliances, random events, and the delicate balance of power between the Houses of York and Lancaster. The game can be quite long, lasting from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the mode of play. The new 2023 version offers streamlined rules and additional variants, including a solo mode and Kingmaker II, which reduces playtime and introduces new win conditions.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple layers of strategy.
  • Historical Context: Set during the English War of the Roses, providing a unique historical backdrop.
  • Variants: Includes multiple ways to play, such as Classic Kingmaker, Extended Classic Kingmaker, Kingmaker II, and a solo mode.
  • Social Interaction: Encourages diplomacy, alliances, and double-dealing among players.
  • Updated Rules: The 2023 version includes contemporary gaming improvements while retaining the original’s charm.

    Cons

  • Long Playtime: Can take several hours to complete, especially in the Classic mode.
  • Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the intricate rules and mechanics.
  • Random Events: The game’s reliance on Event cards can introduce significant randomness, which may not appeal to all players.
  • Setup Time: Although setup is relatively quick, the game’s complexity can make it daunting for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Kingmaker

    **Kingmaker** is ideal for players who enjoy deep, strategic games with a strong historical context. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the intricacies of medieval politics and the dynamics of the English War of the Roses. The game’s multiple variants cater to different preferences, making it accessible to both nostalgic players who remember the original and new players looking for a challenging experience. However, due to its complexity and long playtime, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking quick, light-hearted gameplay.

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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