Plunderbund (2019) Board Game

Plunderbund is a board game released in 2019, designed by Joe Shawcross. It falls under the categories of Economic, Fantasy, and Mafia genres, offering players a unique blend of strategy and intrigue. With a runtime of 60 to 150 minutes and suitable for players aged 12 and above, Plunderbund has gained a following among fans of complex and immersive tabletop games.

Game Components of Plunderbund

Player decks: Initial deck of cards for each player

Agent cards: Representing agents, racketeers, ring leaders, spymasters, wizards, and others

Favor cards: Used to manage resources and obligations

Demand coins: Victory points based on supply and demand mechanics

Advancement tracks: Four tracks for gaining benefits and resources

Board: Map of the Sprawl for area control

Resources: Tokens for managing actions and deck manipulation

How To Setup Plunderbund

To set up Plunderbund, each player starts with the same initial deck of cards. The board is laid out with the map of the Sprawl, and the advancement tracks are placed alongside. Demand coins and resources are distributed according to the game’s rules. Players recruit their initial agents and place them on the board to begin their illegal enterprises.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Building: Light deck building mechanism to create a strong network of agents and desirable black market goods.

Worker Placement: Players place agents on the board to control areas and perform actions.

Area Control: Managing territory on the board to influence supply and demand.

Resource Management: Managing resources to take actions and pay off favors.

Supply & Demand Mechanic: Determining victory points based on the market demand for goods.

Objective: Build the strongest guild by selling goods, causing chaos for rivals, and maximizing victory points through supply and demand.

Player Experience

Playing Plunderbund involves strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must balance recruiting and tasking their agents, managing resources, and navigating the whims of the market. The game builds up to a frenzy of activity as players compete to dominate the black market. Each turn, players take actions that either place agents on the board, move up advancement tracks, or manipulate their deck, all while managing the burden of “favor” cards that can hinder their progress.

Pros

Unique Theme: Combines high fantasy with prohibition-era flair.

Multiple Mechanics: Engaging mix of deck building, worker placement, and area control.

Strategic Depth: Increasing complexity as the game progresses.

Stunning Artwork: Visually appealing components and board design.

Dynamic Gameplay: Supply and demand mechanics add unpredictability.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Initial plays can be fiddly, requiring multiple sessions to master.

Resource Management Complexity: Managing favors and resources can be challenging.

Length of Game: Multiple rounds and seasons can make the game lengthy.

Personal Thoughts on Plunderbund

Plunderbund is for fans of complex strategy games who enjoy a blend of different mechanics. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a unique theme that combines fantasy and historical elements. The game is particularly suited for players who enjoy games like worker placement and deck building, and are looking for a challenge that requires strategic thinking and resource management. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and learning curve.

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