Rise of Totalitarianism (2017) Board Game

Rise of Totalitarianism is a board game released in 2017, designed by Luca Cammisa. It falls under the categories of political and wargame, catering to players aged 12 and above. The game is set in a time period where totalitarian regimes are rising to power, and players must navigate through political challenges to emerge victorious.

Game Components of Rise of Totalitarianism

Game Board: A 36×18″ mounted board.

Game Cards: 90 cards, divided into five decks and a bonus card, representing historical events.

Cubes: 90 small cubes (30 each in red, blue, and black) for funding.

Wooden Disks: 3 wooden disks (each in red, blue, and black).

Game Counters: 150 game counters.

Rules Book: A comprehensive rules book.

Player Aid Mat: A player aid mat for quick reference.

Player Screens: 3 player screens for secrecy.

Dice: A 6-sided die.

How To Setup Rise of Totalitarianism

Setting up the game involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area, distributing the player screens, and each player selecting an ideology (Social-Democracy, Fascism, or Communism). Players then receive their initial set of game cards and cubes. The game decks are shuffled, and each player refills their hand according to the rules. The Order of Play is determined by the players’ funding levels.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Driven Strategy: Players use historical event cards to plan secret actions.

Action Chits: Players use action chits to perform reactions and activities such as propaganda, conflicts, laws, and reforms.

Funding: Players manage funding from various sources (bankers, industrialists, agrarians) to plan actions.

Leaders: Historical leaders support players’ actions.

Crisis Cards: Simulate major crises and events affecting European countries.

Game Objective: Control the governments of Major Powers (Germany and Italy) and Minor Nations by influencing their ideological orientation and destabilizing opposing governments.

Player Experience

Playing **Rise of Totalitarianism** is a deeply immersive experience, requiring strategic thinking and historical insight. Players must navigate the complex web of political and economic crises of the 1920s and 1930s, using historical events to their advantage. The game is designed for three players, each representing a different ideology, making it a highly interactive and competitive experience. With a game length of over 3 hours, players need to be prepared for a long and engaging session.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Detailed historical context and accurate representation of the era.

Complex Strategy: Deep gameplay mechanics that require careful planning and execution.

Interactive: High level of interaction among players, making it engaging and competitive.

Components: High-quality components, including a large mounted board and detailed game cards.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a high complexity level (6.5/10), which can be daunting for new players.

Length: The game is lengthy, often taking more than 3 hours to complete.

Player Count: Limited to three players, which may not be ideal for larger gaming groups.

Learning Curve: Steep learning curve due to the intricate rules and historical context.

Personal Thoughts on Rise of Totalitarianism

**Rise of Totalitarianism** is ideal for history buffs and strategic gamers who appreciate deep, complex gameplay. It is not suited for casual or beginner gamers due to its high complexity and lengthy gameplay. However, for those interested in historical simulations and political strategy, this game offers a unique and engaging experience that delves into one of the most significant periods in modern history.

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