Legitimacy (2009) Board Game

Legitimacy is a fantasy card game designed by Chuck Whelon and published by Minion Games in in 2009. The game is a humorous take on royal succession, where players must gather supporters and claim the throne by any means necessary. With its unique theme and engaging gameplay, Legitimacy has become a favorite among fans of card games and fantasy genres.

Game Components of Legitimacy

Game board featuring connected dotted paths

Character cards with stats (Attack, Magic, Move) and alignment (Good or Evil)

Quest cards

Spell cards

Ally cards

Weapon cards

Curse and cursed item cards

Royal jewel cards (such as super-pointy swords and magic chickens)

Market deck and encounter deck

Dice for movement and combat

Starting pet cards (e.g., pig)

Castle tile with its own deck

How To Setup Legitimacy

To set up the game, players first assemble the board by connecting the tiles. Each player chooses a character card and a starting pet. The market deck and encounter deck are prepared based on the number of players. Players start at the castle, ready to embark on their quest.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Movement: Roll-and-move mechanic where players move along the dotted paths based on the dice roll.

Card Drawing: Landing on certain squares triggers drawing cards from the appropriate deck, which can include quests, spells, allies, weapons, or curses.

Quest Completion: Completing quests earns royal jewels; three are needed to win the game.

Alignment: Players start as Good but can turn Evil by performing untoward actions against others. Turning Evil allows Good players to attack them freely.

Item and Ally Usage: Some items and allies are alignment-specific.

Card Limit: Each player has a limit of seven cards in hand or in play, including their character card and starting pet.

Player Experience

**Legitimacy** offers a humorous and interactive experience, encouraging player interaction and strategic thinking. The game’s design forces players to engage with each other, whether through completing quests, stealing royal jewels, or using curses and spells to hinder opponents. The game is particularly good for casual players and families, as it is easy to pick up but challenging enough to keep adults engaged.

Pros

Quick Playtime: Games typically last about an hour.

Forced Player Interaction: Encourages attacking and strategic play.

Sturdy Components: The box and tiles are extremely durable.

Funny Fantasy Art: The illustrations are humorous and engaging.

Good for Casual Players: Easy to learn but still strategic.

Cons

Underdeveloped Magic System: The magic mechanics are not fully fleshed out.

Small Area Decks: This can make games feel repetitive.

Roll-and-Move Mechanics: Can be unpredictable and favor players with move bonuses.

Jokey Art Not for Everyone: The humor and art style may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Legitimacy

**Legitimacy** is a game well-suited for families and casual gamers who enjoy light, fast-paced adventures with a comedic twist. While it has some drawbacks, such as the underdeveloped magic system and the potential for repetitive gameplay, it excels in providing an engaging and interactive experience. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a fun, quick game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking deeply complex or strategic gameplay.

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