Last Will (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Last Will is a board game designed by Vladimír Suchý and published by Czech Games Edition in in 2011. The game combines elements of card games, economics, and humor to create a unique gaming experience. Players take on the role of wealthy heirs competing to spend all of their inheritance in order to win the game. With its engaging gameplay and strategic decision-making, Last Will has become a popular choice among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Last Will

Central Game Board

Player Boards

Planning Board

Card Offering Board

Decks of cards: Helpers and Expenses, Properties, Events, Wild Cards, Specials

Property Adjustment Tokens

Wooden tokens for Companions: Dogs, Horses, Guests, Chefs

Property Value Markers

Cardboard Money Tokens

Start Player Marker

Errand Boys

Action Tokens

Planning Markers.

How To Setup Last Will

To set up the game, create the central Game Board based on the number of players and randomly place the Property Adjustment Tokens. Shuffle each of the other decks of cards and place them face down by the Game Board. Each player takes a Player Board, the corresponding Player Tokens, 70 pounds, and six cards (three from the Helpers and Expenses deck and three from the Properties deck). Create a bank with the remaining Money Tokens and piles of other tokens by the side of the game board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Setup Phase: Cards are dealt face up onto the Card Offering Boards.

Planning Phase: Players use planning markers to indicate their actions and errand boys.

Errands Phase: Players place their Errand Boys to acquire cards or perform other tasks.

Actions Phase: Players carry out actions using their Action Tokens to play cards or spend money.

End of Round Phase: Players reset cards, remove unacquired cards, retrieve planning markers and Errand Boys, and discard their hand down to 2 cards.

Objective: The goal is to have the least money or the biggest deficit at the end of the game by wastefully spending the inheritance. Players must manage their resources, actions, and properties to achieve this.

Player Experience

Last Will offers a unique blend of strategic planning and comedic indulgence. Players must navigate the complexities of spending money inefficiently while competing with other players. The game is known for its challenging decisions but avoids analysis paralysis, making it engaging and fun. The theme of conspicuous consumption is vividly brought to life through the game’s art and mechanics, often leading to humorous moments.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s focus on wasteful spending in Victorian England is both unique and entertaining.

Strategic Depth: Players need to plan carefully, managing their actions, errand boys, and resources.

Balanced Gameplay: The game mechanics ensure that players are constantly making tough decisions without succumbing to analysis paralysis.

Comedic Elements: The game’s design and art lead to many humorous moments, adding to the overall enjoyment.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming due to the various components and decks.

Steep Learning Curve: Understanding the interplay between different mechanics and cards may take a couple of games.

Resource Management: Managing money, actions, and properties can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Last Will

Last Will is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a unique theme and are comfortable with a moderate level of complexity. It suits those who appreciate games that require planning and resource management, and it is particularly enjoyable for groups looking for a game that combines strategy with a touch of humor. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players or those who prefer simple, quick games.

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