Most Wanted (2018) Board Game

Most Wanted is a card game set in the American West, where players take on the roles of outlaws trying to become the most notorious in the land. Released in 2018, the game has quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of bluffing and hand management mechanics.

Game Components of Most Wanted

Deck of cards with various actions (Robbery, Duel, Honest Labor, Church)

Scoreboard with notoriety ladder

Money tokens

Character cards

Double-sided Robbery cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Most Wanted

To set up Most Wanted, each player starts off the scoreboard with a bail of 0. Each player is dealt a starting hand of 5 cards. The Robbery cards are placed face down, and the money tokens are set aside. Players choose their actions from the available options on their turn, and the game begins with the first player selecting an action.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

The objective is to be the first player to reach the Most Wanted space on the scoreboard by accumulating points through successful robberies, duels, and other actions.

Gameplay Mechanics

Robbery: Players participate in robberies by playing cards face down. The player with the best hand wins points, while losers must pay bail.

Duel: Players challenge each other to duels, playing 1 or 2 cards face down. The winner earns points equal to the loser’s bail.

Honest Labor: Players discard face-up cards to earn money.

Church: Players discard cards from their hand and draw up to 7 new cards.

Double Cross: A 6 beats an Ace in certain situations, adding a twist to the usual card rankings.

Bail: Players must pay bail if they lose certain actions; failure to pay results in moving backward on the scoreboard.

Player Experience

Most Wanted keeps players highly engaged, even when it’s not their turn, thanks to the dynamic of other players participating in robberies and duels. The game combines strategic risk-taking with bluffing, making it exciting and unpredictable. The theme of becoming a notorious outlaw in the Wild West adds a fun and immersive element, encouraging players to get into character and enjoy the light-hearted banter.

Pros

High Player Engagement: Players remain involved throughout the game.

Simple to Learn: The game is easy to understand, especially for those familiar with basic poker concepts.

Dynamic Gameplay: The game accelerates towards its conclusion as Robbery cards become more valuable after the deck is shuffled.

Catch-Up Mechanics: The opportunity for mismatched stakes in duels allows for dramatic comebacks.

Replayability: Double-sided cards and variable setups offer multiple ways to play.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck due to card draws.

Limited Strategic Depth: The game is relatively simple, which might not appeal to players seeking complex strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Most Wanted

Most Wanted is ideal for families, casual gamers, and large groups looking for a fun, light-hearted game night experience. It’s a great introduction to poker concepts for younger players and offers enough complexity to keep adults entertained. While it may not satisfy gamers seeking deep strategic gameplay, it excels in its ability to foster social interaction and playful competition.

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