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People Power: Insurgency in the Philippines, 1981-1986 (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

People Power: Insurgency in the Philippines, 1981-1986 is a board game that simulates the events leading up to the peaceful revolution that took place in the Philippines in the 1980s. Players take on the roles of various political factions and groups, vying for power and influence during a turbulent time in Philippine history.

Game Components of People Power: Insurgency in the Philippines, 1981-1986

  • Game Board:** Representing the Philippines, it highlights key areas of conflict and influence.
  • Faction Components:** Each faction (Government, NPA, and Reformers) has its own set of pieces, including bases, units, and support markers.
  • Event Cards:** These cards drive the game’s actions and include historical events, faction initiatives, and election cycles.
  • Personality Cards:** Representing significant figures, these cards provide unique abilities and momentum effects.
  • Acts of Desperation Cards:** These cards offer powerful, last-ditch efforts for each faction near the game’s end.
  • Rulebook and Playbook:** Detailed guides for setting up and playing the game.
  • Additional Resources:** FAQs, clarifications, and online resources for further support.

    How To Setup People Power: Insurgency in the Philippines, 1981-1986

    Setting up the game involves placing the game board, distributing faction components, shuffling the Event deck, and dealing out starting resources. Each faction has specific setup instructions, with the Government controlling key areas, the NPA starting with hidden bases, and the Reformers beginning with limited influence. The game also includes optional advanced rules that can be integrated for more experienced players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card-Driven Actions:** Players take actions based on the faction initiatives listed on the Event cards.
  • Election Cycles:** Replacing Propaganda Turns, these cycles introduce significant changes and challenges.
  • Personality Cards:** These cards add unique abilities and effects, representing key historical figures.
  • Acts of Desperation:** Powerful final actions available near the game’s end.
  • Objectives:**
  • Government:** Maintain control and suppress opposition.
  • NPA:** Build resistance and establish bases.
  • Reformers:** Gain opposition and establish reformer bases.

    Player Experience

    **People Power: Insurgency in the Philippines, 1981-1986** offers a highly interactive and dynamic experience, with each faction having distinct goals and mechanics. The game is relatively easy to teach, even for new players to the COIN Series, and features a shorter playtime compared to other games in the series. The Acts of Desperation cards add a thrilling element to the endgame, while the election cycles and personality cards keep the game engaging and historically grounded.

    Pros

  • Accessible Entry Point:** Easier to learn and play, making it a great introduction to the COIN Series.
  • Historical Depth:** Immerses players in a critical period of Philippine history.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** Election cycles and Acts of Desperation cards add significant variability.
  • Shorter Playtime:** Compared to other COIN games, it has a more manageable duration.

    Cons

  • Faction Imbalance:** One faction can be left behind due to bad actions or unlucky card draws, leading to kingmaking scenarios.
  • Swingy Endgame:** Acts of Desperation cards can lead to extreme outcomes if not managed carefully.
  • Election Card Impact:** Current election cards can give a significant advantage to one faction, potentially ending the game early.

    Personal Thoughts on People Power: Insurgency in the Philippines, 1981-1986

    **People Power: Insurgency in the Philippines, 1981-1986** is an excellent choice for those new to the COIN Series or looking for a more streamlined experience. It is particularly suited for players interested in historical conflicts, asymmetric warfare, and dynamic card-driven mechanics. While it may not offer the complexity of other COIN games, it provides a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay that makes it a standout in the series. This game is ideal for anyone looking to delve into the intricacies of guerrilla warfare and civil resistance in a historically rich context.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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