Shadows over Camelot: The Card Game (2012) Board Game

Shadows over Camelot: The Card Game is a standalone game based on the popular board game Shadows over Camelot. It was released in 2012 by Days of Wonder and designed by Bruno Cathala and Serge Laget. The game is set in the legendary realm of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, where players work together to complete quests and defend Camelot from threats.

Game Components of Shadows over Camelot: The Card Game

Loyalty Cards: Determine if a player is a traitor or loyal.

Rumor Cards: Used for quests and can change values.

Quest Cards: Represent various threats and challenges.

Merlin and Morgan Cards: Modify quest values.

White and Black Swords: Track progress and failure.

Player Cards: For each player to keep track of their actions.

How To Setup Shadows over Camelot: The Card Game

Players start by receiving loyalty cards, which may secretly indicate a traitor among them. Each player is dealt a set of cards, and the rumor pile is shuffled. The game board or playing area is set up to display the quests and the rumor cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Listen for Rumors: Draw and sort rumor cards to understand the current quest values.

Go On a Quest: Players must total the value of the threat to exactly 11, 12, or 13 to succeed.

Accuse a Player: Attempt to identify the traitor, with penalties for incorrect accusations.

Winning the Game: Loyal knights win with seven or more white swords; traitors win with seven or more black swords.

Memory Game Element: Players must remember the values of quests and changes made by Merlin and Morgan cards.

Traitor Mechanics: The traitor contributes to the failure of quests without special powers, aiming to confuse other players.

Player Experience

Playing **Shadows over Camelot: The Card Game** involves a mix of cooperation and suspicion. Players must work together to complete quests while keeping an eye out for potential traitors. The game’s memory element adds a layer of complexity, as players need to track changing quest values and remember which cards have been played. The artwork and theme, though not deeply immersive, enhance the game’s aesthetic appeal.

Pros

Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork and strategy.

Social Deduction: Adds a layer of excitement and suspicion.

Attractive Artwork: Enhances the gameplay experience.

Variants: Includes rules for solo play and additional variants like “Knights to the Rescue.”

Cons

Memory Challenges: Can be frustrating to keep track of changing quest values.

Confusing Card Design: Similar colors and symbols on cards can lead to mistakes.

Narrow Margin for Success: Quests require precise totals, making success challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Shadows over Camelot: The Card Game

**Shadows over Camelot: The Card Game** is ideal for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy social deduction elements. It’s a great choice for groups looking for a quick, engaging game that requires strategic thinking and memory skills. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games with simpler rules or less emphasis on memory and deduction. Despite some usability issues, the game’s unique blend of cooperation and betrayal makes it a compelling addition to any game collection.

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