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Kingmaker (1974) Board Game

ByMichail

When it comes to historical strategy board games, few have captured the intrigue and complexity of medieval English politics quite like “Kingmaker.” Originally published in 1974, this game immerses players in the tumultuous period of the Wars of the Roses, where noble houses vie for control of the throne. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a board game aficionado, “Kingmaker” offers a unique blend of strategy, diplomacy, and chance, making it a staple in the collection of any serious gamer.

Game Components

  • Game board depicting a map of medieval England
  • 200+ game cards including event, title, and crown cards
  • Various tokens representing nobles, towns, castles, and other assets
  • Dice
  • Rulebook and reference sheets

How To Setup

  1. Lay out the game board: Place the game board in the center of the table.
  2. Distribute title and office cards: Shuffle and deal out title and office cards among players.
  3. Place nobles on the board: Each player places their noble pieces in their respective territories.
  4. Set up the event deck: Shuffle the event cards and place them in a draw pile.
  5. Prepare the crown cards: Separate and shuffle the crown cards, placing them near the board.
  6. Assign starting resources: Give each player their starting gold and troops as outlined in the rulebook.
  7. Determine the starting player: Roll dice to see who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In “Kingmaker,” players control factions of nobles, aiming to crown one of their own as the King of England. The game involves moving nobles around the map, engaging in battles, and forming alliances. Key mechanics include:

  • Movement: Players move their nobles across England to capture strategic locations.
  • Combat: Engage in battles using dice rolls to determine the outcome.
  • Events: Draw event cards that can significantly alter the game state, introducing new challenges and opportunities.
  • Diplomacy: Form temporary alliances to strengthen your position, but beware of betrayals.
  • Coronation: The ultimate goal is to crown a noble and protect them from rival factions until the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Historical depth: Richly themed around the Wars of the Roses.
  • Strategic complexity: Offers deep strategic gameplay with a variety of paths to victory.
  • Replayability: High replay value due to the unpredictable nature of event cards and player interactions.
  • Diplomacy and intrigue: Encourages negotiation and strategic alliances.

Cons:

  • Lengthy playtime: Games can be quite long, often extending beyond 4 hours.
  • Complex rules: The detailed rules can be daunting for new players.
  • Player elimination: Early elimination can lead to extended downtime for some players.

Personal Thoughts

“Kingmaker” stands out as a compelling blend of strategy and historical simulation. Its depth and complexity are both its greatest strengths and potential drawbacks, depending on your gaming group. For those who relish intricate, multi-layered games and appreciate the historical setting, “Kingmaker” offers a rewarding experience. However, the steep learning curve and lengthy sessions may not be suitable for more casual gamers. Personally, I find the game’s rich thematic elements and strategic depth highly engaging, making it a favorite for dedicated game nights with fellow history buffs.

Game Components of Kingmaker

  • Game Board: Originally a single-sided board, now available with a double-sided board in newer versions.
  • Nobles and Troops: Each player controls a varying number of nobles and their associated troops.
  • Royal Family Members: Figures representing members of the House of York and Lancaster.
  • Titles and Offices: Crown cards for titles, offices, bishoprics, control of towns and cities, mercenaries, and ships.
  • Event and Crown Cards: Used to apply various effects and manage alliances and battles.
  • Parliament and Coronation Trackers: To indicate alliances and the coronation of royal family members.
  • Garrisons: Intrinsic strengths of fortified towns, cities, and castles.

    How To Setup Kingmaker

    Setting up *Kingmaker* involves placing all the rule pieces on the board in their respective regions. Each player is assigned a handful of nobles, either through a pre-determined setup or an alternative setup. The pre-determined setup is well-balanced and recommended for new players. The board is divided into regions, and players place their nobles and royal pieces according to the initial setup instructions. The game begins with King Henry VI of Lancaster on the throne, and players must maneuver to capture locations containing royal family members.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Phases of a Turn

  • Event Phase: Draw an event card and apply its effect.
  • Movement Phase: Move nobles and ships.
  • Combat Phase: Resolve battles and sieges.
  • Parliament Phase: Summon Parliament to assign titles and offices.
  • Coronation Phase: Crown a royal family member under your control.
  • End of Turn Phase: Draw and discard Crown cards.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to control the last surviving royal family member who can be crowned king. Alternatively, players can aim for a Prestige Victory by accumulating points for holding key cities, titles, and offices.

    Player Experience

    *Kingmaker* is a game that appeals to a wide range of players due to its mix of military and political strategy. Players must navigate complex alliances, battles, and parliamentary maneuvers to achieve victory. The game is known for its intricate rules, which can sometimes lead to ambiguities and arguments among players. However, once understood, the gameplay flow is relatively smooth. The new *Kingmaker II* version has streamlined some of the mechanics and introduced a solo mode, making the game more accessible and balanced.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy: Combines military and political strategies.
  • Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and varied setups.
  • Solo Mode: Excellent for learning the game and providing a solo challenge.
  • Historical Context: Set in the War of the Roses, adding a rich historical layer.
  • Balanced Factions: Newer versions ensure more balanced starting positions for players.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: Can be confusing and lead to arguments.
  • Lengthy Gameplay: Typically lasts two to three hours.
  • High Learning Curve: Requires several practice turns to understand fully.
  • Old Edition Issues: Earlier versions had cosmetic and rule inconsistencies.

    Personal Thoughts on Kingmaker

    *Kingmaker* is ideal for players who enjoy complex strategy games with a historical twist. It is not for casual gamers due to its intricate rules and lengthy gameplay. However, for those who appreciate deep strategic thinking and are willing to invest time into understanding the game, *Kingmaker* offers a rich and rewarding experience. The new *Kingmaker II* version mitigates some of the original’s issues, making it a more appealing option for both new and veteran players.

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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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