Liberation (2019) Board Game

Liberation is a card game designed by Jon Simantov and published by Button Shy in in 2019. The game falls under the categories of deduction, exploration, and science fiction, providing players with an immersive experience in a futuristic setting. With its unique gameplay mechanics and variable player powers, Liberation offers a challenging and engaging experience for 2 players.

Game Components of Liberation

Deck: A tiny deck of only 18 cards.

Map: Four double-sided map cards that form the galactic map.

Players: 2 players, with one playing as the Dynasty and the other as the Liberation.

Age Range: 13 and above.

Play Time: 20-25 minutes.

How To Setup Liberation

To set up **Liberation**, shuffle the four map cards and arrange them in the middle of the table to form the galaxy map. Shuffle the remaining cards into a draw deck, ensuring the Roman numerals on the backs face the same direction. Each player is dealt three cards. The Dynasty player chooses one card as an occupied city and places it face up, while the Liberation player chooses one card as their secret base and places it face down. Both players then draw additional cards to form their starting hand of three cards each.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dynasty Objective: Find and destroy the Liberation’s secret base.

Actions:

Occupy: Play a card to occupy a location connected to an already occupied card.

Attack: Name an adjacent location to exploit; if it’s the Liberation’s secret base, the Dynasty wins.

Mission: Use a card for its mission, keeping it in play.

Liberation Objective: Survive for three rounds without the Dynasty finding their secret base.

Actions:

Evade: Move the secret base to a new location.

Sabotage: Discard a card from the Dynasty’s hand.

Mission: Reveal a card to perform its mission and discard it.

Game End: The game ends if the Liberation survives past the third shuffling of the deck or if the Dynasty finds the Liberation’s secret base.

Player Experience

**Liberation** offers a tense and exciting gameplay experience with high stakes. The Dynasty expands their power by occupying and exploiting planet cards, while the Liberation strikes from the shadows, sabotaging the Dynasty’s efforts. The game’s asymmetry makes each side feel balanced but distinct, with the Dynasty ramping up power over time and the Liberation needing to dodge and react. The dynamic map setup ensures a different game each time, enhancing replay value.

Pros

High Replay Value: Double-sided map cards create a unique map for each game.

Asymmetric Gameplay: Balanced yet distinct roles for each player.

Portable: Uses a tiny deck of cards, making it highly portable.

Tense Gameplay: Simple actions lead to tense and exciting moments.

Thematic Design: Actions and costs feel thematic and balanced.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for only two players.

Aggressive vs. Reactive Play: Some players may find the Liberation side less exciting if they prefer aggressive play.

Personal Thoughts on Liberation

**Liberation** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic, asymmetrical games with a high level of tension. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick, intense gaming experience that can be carried anywhere. The game’s design ensures that both sides are engaging to play, although aggressive players might find the Dynasty side more appealing. Overall, **Liberation** is a keeper for any collection, offering a compelling and portable gaming experience.

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