Regicide (2020) Board Game
Regicide is a card game released in 2020 by Badgers from Mars. Designed by Paul Abrahams, Luke Badger, and Andy Richdale, this game features artwork by Sketchgoblin. Regicide falls under the categories of card game and fantasy, with gameplay mechanisms including communication limits, cooperative play, hand management, solo/solitaire gaming, and variable set-up.
## Game Components of Regicide
– A standard deck of 52 playing cards
– Optionally, a custom illustrated deck by Sketchgoblin
## How To Setup Regicide
To set up Regicide, shuffle the face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) to form a stack, with the Kings at the bottom, the Queens in the middle, and the Jacks on top. The players each start with a hand of cards, and the first Jack is revealed to begin the game.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
### Game Objective
– Players must work together to defeat all 12 face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings).
– The game ends when all face cards are defeated or any player runs out of cards.
### Mechanics
– **Card Play**: Players play a card from their hand to attack the current enemy, with the option to play an additional Ace to increase damage.
– **Suit Abilities**:
– **Hearts**: Reshuffle cards from the discard pile to the draw deck.
– **Diamonds**: Draw cards from the draw deck, distributed among players.
– **Clubs**: Double the damage of the played card.
– **Spades**: Reduce the enemy’s attack value.
– **Enemy Health and Attack**:
– **Jacks**: 20 health, 10 attack.
– **Queens**: 30 health, 15 attack.
– **Kings**: 40 health, 20 attack.
– **Defending**: Players must discard cards to match or exceed the enemy’s attack value to avoid losing.
– **Recruiting Enemies**: Defeated enemies join the players’ ranks and can be used in future turns.
## Player Experience
Regicide is known for its high level of difficulty and strategic depth. Players often find themselves on the brink of victory only to lose near the end, which can be frustrating but also highly engaging. The game requires careful resource management and tactical planning, as players must balance attacking the enemy with defending against its counterattacks. The prohibition on discussing specific cards adds an extra layer of challenge, making communication and teamwork crucial.
### Pros
– **Quick Gameplay**: Games typically last 10-30 minutes.
– **High Replayability**: Different card draws ensure no two games are the same.
– **Strategic Depth**: Rich in tactical decisions with a deep heuristic tree.
– **Unique Mechanics**: Innovative use of standard card deck with distinct suit abilities.
– **Engaging Artwork**: Custom illustrated deck by Sketchgoblin adds to the game’s aesthetic appeal.
### Cons
– **High Difficulty**: Very challenging, leading to frequent losses.
– **Luck-Dependent**: The order of the cards can significantly impact the game’s outcome.
– **Limited Long-Term Goals**: After initial wins, there may not be enough new goals to keep players engaged.
– **Small Rulebook Print**: The included rulebook can be difficult to read due to small print.
## Personal Thoughts on Regicide
Regicide is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative games and are looking for a significant challenge. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate strategic card games and are willing to invest time in mastering the game’s mechanics. The game’s unique use of a standard deck of cards and its engaging artwork make it a standout in the world of board games. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more relaxed or casual gaming experience.
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