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Senator (2004) Board Game

ByMichail

Senator is a board game released in 2004 by Fantasy Flight Games. Designed by Eric M. Lang and Kevin Wilson, this game is set in ancient Rome and revolves around political intrigue and strategy. With artwork by Anders Finér, Ted Galaday, and Scott Keating, Senator is part of the Fantasy Flight Silver Line series, catering to a wide audience of board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Senator

  • Event Cards:** Cause various effects, sometimes punitive, sometimes helpful.
  • Goods Cards:** Represent resources like wood, cloth, and olives.
  • Office Cards:** Provide special abilities and benefits.
  • Senator Tokens:** Represent players’ influence and points.
  • Cash Tokens:** Used for bidding, extortion, and other transactions.
  • War Cards:** Trigger the end of the game when the fourth one is drawn.

    How To Setup Senator

    To set up the game, each player starts with five senators (tokens) and some cash. Players are dealt three random goods cards from different decks. Event cards and agenda tokens (if applicable) are shuffled and placed within reach. Two consul tokens and a veto token may be placed next to the docket, though this varies by version. The game is ready to begin once the first player is chosen, often based on a trivial criterion like the last person to have seen a movie about ancient Rome.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Event Phase:** The top event card is drawn, affecting the round. Events can require payments, reward contributions, or impose penalties.
  • Auction Option:** Players bid on goods and office cards. Each player can sell or keep cards by paying the highest bid.
  • Extortion Option:** Players can extort goods cards from other players by making an offer; the targeted player can either sell or pay to keep the card.
  • Cash-In Option:** Players can sell matching goods cards for cash, with bonuses for sequential numbers. Other players can cash in by paying 5 cash to the active player.
  • Game Objective:** The game ends when the fourth War card is drawn. The player with the most senators is declared the winner, or if there is a tie, the richest player wins.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Senator** is a dynamic and often ruthless experience. Players must navigate the complexities of ancient Roman politics, leveraging auctions, extortion, and strategic cash management to gain an advantage. The game is marked by its unpredictable nature, with event cards introducing random challenges and opportunities. This unpredictability can lead to sudden shifts in power, making each game unique and engaging.

    Pros

  • Dynamic Gameplay:** The combination of auctions, extortion, and random events keeps the game exciting and unpredictable.
  • Strategic Depth:** Players need to balance short-term gains with long-term strategies to succeed.
  • Social Interaction:** The game encourages negotiation, bluffing, and backstabbing, making it a great choice for players who enjoy social deduction and diplomacy.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** While the rules are relatively simple, the ramifications of each action can be complex and require careful consideration.
  • Luck Factor:** The random draw of event and goods cards can significantly impact gameplay, which may not appeal to players who prefer more deterministic strategies.
  • Cruel Nature:** The game’s mechanics, such as extortion and the random cruelty of event cards, can be off-putting for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Senator

    **Senator** is designed for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong social element. It’s ideal for those who relish the challenge of navigating complex political landscapes, negotiating with opponents, and adapting to unpredictable events. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more cooperative or gentle games, as the game’s mechanics can be quite aggressive and chaotic. For fans of diplomacy, backstabbing, and resource management, **Senator** offers a rich and engaging experience that rewards strategic thinking and cunning play.

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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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