Plague! (1991) – Board Game Guys

Plague!

“Plague!” is a board game first published by B&B Productions in 1991, designed by Steven Barsky. The game is set in 1348 in Weymouth, England, and revolves around the arrival of the Black Plague. The game has gained popularity due to its unique theme and chaotic gameplay.

Why is Plague! Popular?

“Plague!” is a popular board game because of its:
– Unique theme: The game is set during the medieval era and deals with the spread of the Black Plague, making it an interesting and engaging experience for players.
– Chaotic gameplay: The game is known for its chaotic and random nature, which adds replayability and keeps players engaged.
– Abstract strategy: The game requires players to strategize and make decisions based on limited information, making it a challenging and thought-provoking experience.

Game Components of Plague!

Game Board: A stylized map of Weymouth.

Wagons: Normal playing pawns representing the players’ vehicles.

Dice: One 12-sided die for movement and a 6-sided die for flea and rat actions.

Counters: Round cardboard counters for cats, rats, and fleas, including individually named rats from the “Rat Bag”.

Black Death Cards: A set of 55 event cards introducing random good or bad events.

Scoring Pad: Titled “In Remembrance” for tracking points.

How To Setup Plague!

To set up the game, players start by placing their wagons at the stables. Each player receives a set of counters and prepares the “Rat Bag” and the deck of Black Death Cards. The board is laid out with various houses marked as potential sources of victims. Players determine their starting positions and are ready to begin collecting bodies and navigating the challenges of the plague.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players roll a 12-sided die to move their wagons and collect bodies.

Flea and Rat Actions: A 6-sided die is used to march an army of fleas and rats against opponents.

Event Cards: Black Death Cards introduce random events that can be beneficial or detrimental.

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to deliver 99 bodies to the burial site, scoring points only when victims are “dead and buried”.

Player Experience

Playing **Plague** is a mix of strategy and luck, with a dash of dark humor. The game is chaotic and random at times, making it more about the journey than the destination. Players must balance collecting bodies with thwarting their opponents using rats and fleas. The game’s atmosphere is enhanced by its anachronistic elements, such as “Mac the Vac” to clear fleas.

Pros

Unique Theme: The game offers a distinct and quirky take on the Black Plague.

Strategic Depth: Despite the randomness, players need to plan and adapt their strategies.

High Replayability: The game changes character with different numbers of players and the random events from Black Death Cards.

Humor and Atmosphere: The game’s use of cats, rats, and fleas adds a lighter tone to an otherwise dark theme.

Cons

Randomness: The game’s reliance on dice rolls and event cards can make it unpredictable and sometimes frustrating.

Complexity: The numerous components and rules can be overwhelming for new players.

Limited Player Count: The game is best played with 3 or 4 players; two-player games can be less dynamic.

Personal Thoughts on Plague!

**Plague** is ideal for players who enjoy a blend of strategy and luck, and those who appreciate a unique and somewhat irreverent theme. It’s a game that stands out for its quirky design and the way it balances competition with random events. While it may not be for everyone due to its complexity and randomness, it offers a memorable gaming experience for those who enjoy a challenge with a side of humor.

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