Oliver Twist (2017) Board Game

The Oliver Twist board game is a novel-based game inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic story of the same name. Designed by Maud Chalmel and published in 2017, the game brings players into the gritty world of Victorian England as they follow Oliver’s journey through the streets of London.

Game Components of Oliver Twist

Game board

Character cards

Item cards

Location tiles

Player tokens

Resource tokens

Rulebook

Artwork by Maud Chalmel

How To Setup Oliver Twist

To set up Oliver Twist, begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a character card and places their token on the starting location. Shuffle the item cards and location tiles, then place them face down on their designated spaces on the board. Each player starts with a set amount of resources. Distribute the starting items and resources according to the rules outlined in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Pick-up and Deliver: Players Collect and deliver items to various locations.

Set Collection: Gather sets of items to achieve objectives.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by completing tasks, collecting sets, and delivering items efficiently. The game ends when all players have used up their actions or a certain condition is met, with the player having the most points declared the winner.

Player Experience

Playing Oliver Twist involves strategic planning and resource management. Players must navigate the streets of London, interacting with characters from Charles Dickens’ novel, to complete their objectives. The game requires a balance between collecting the right items, delivering them to the correct locations, and managing resources efficiently. The themes of poverty, crime, and social struggle from the novel are woven into the gameplay, adding a layer of depth and narrative to the experience.

Pros

Thematic Depth: The game stays true to the themes of the novel, providing an immersive experience.

Strategic Complexity: Offers a good balance of strategy and luck.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory ensure varied gameplay each time.

Artwork: Maud Chalmel’s artwork enhances the game’s aesthetic and theme.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple mechanics.

Length: Games can take up to 60 minutes, which might be too long for some players.

Limited Expansion: Currently, there are no expansions available.

Personal Thoughts on Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist is ideal for fans of strategic board games and those who appreciate thematic games based on literature. It offers a rich and immersive experience that combines resource management with narrative elements. While it may not be the best choice for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a great addition to any serious board game enthusiast’s collection. If you enjoy games like “Pick-up and Deliver” and are fond of Charles Dickens’ works, Oliver Twist could be an excellent choice for you.

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