Oriflamme (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Oriflamme is a card game released in 2019 by Studio H. Designed by Adrien Hesling and Axel Hesling, the game is set in the medieval era and revolves around political intrigue and manipulation. With stunning artwork by Tomasz Jedruszek, Oriflamme has gained popularity for its strategic gameplay and engaging mechanics.

Game Components of Oriflamme

Influence cards

Character cards

Tokens (Influence, Sentence, etc.)

Rulebook

New cards and abilities introduced in expansions like *Oriflamme: Ablaze* and *Oriflamme: Alliance*

How To Setup Oriflamme

To set up Oriflamme, players first shuffle the deck of influence cards and deal a starting hand to each player. The remaining cards are placed face down in a queue. Each player selects a character card, which defines their unique abilities and starting influence. The game is ready to begin once all players have their cards and tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: Players take turns playing influence cards from their hand to the queue.

Character Abilities: Each character card has unique abilities that can be activated during the game.

Influence: Players earn influence points by knockouting other cards in the queue or using special abilities.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most influence points over six rounds to seize control of the throne.

Betrayal and Strategy: Players must use cunning, strategy, and sometimes betrayal to outmaneuver their opponents.

Player Experience

Oriflamme is a rapid and ruthless game that thrives on player interaction and strategic planning. It is a “take that” game where players constantly try to disrupt each other’s plans while advancing their own. The game is known for its short playtime and high replayability, making it ideal for those who enjoy tactical card games with a medieval theme.

Pros

High Replayability: Each game features different card combinations and character abilities.

Short Playtime: Games typically last around 30-45 minutes.

Easy to Learn: Simple to teach, but challenging to master.

Great Player Interaction: Constant opportunities for strategy and betrayal.

Expansions: Expansions like *Oriflamme: Ablaze* and *Oriflamme: Alliance* add new cards and mechanics without changing the core gameplay.

Cons

Runaway Leader Problem: Some games may experience a player getting significantly ahead, which can be challenging to catch up from.

Complexity for New Players: Some cards, like the Magistrate, have complex abilities that may confuse new players.

Personal Thoughts on Oriflamme

Oriflamme is perfect for fans of tactical card games who enjoy a mix of strategy and social interaction. It’s an excellent choice for those who like “take that” games that are easy to teach but offer deep gameplay. The game’s expansions, particularly *Oriflamme: Alliance*, enhance the base game without altering its core mechanics, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer cooperative games or those who are sensitive to direct conflict and betrayal.

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