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SHASN (2021)

ByMichail

Shasn

SHASN is a multiplayer political strategy board game created by Zain Memon and published by Memesys Culture Lab. The game was developed over the course of one and a half years, beginning in January 2018. It was released to widespread critical acclaim and has been praised for its ability to simulate American politics better than any other game.

Why is Shasn Popular?

SHASN is significant because it provides players with an opportunity to influence the maximum number of majority voters in the 9 zones (or constituencies) on the game board. The game poses tough, real-world policy questions, but does so in the context of fun mechanics and facilitates healthy conversations. It is also significant because it makes people aware of politicians and their country’s political machinery.

Game Components of SHASN

  • Game Board:** Featuring 9 zones or constituencies.
  • Ideology Cards:** Pose divisive policy questions with two possible answers.
  • Voter Cards:** Used to influence voters on the board.
  • Resources:** Funds, Clout, Media, and Trust.
  • Conspiracy Cards:** Sabotage and hinder opponents.
  • Headline Cards:** Represent the news cycle.
  • Ideologue Powers:** Unique abilities unlocked by collecting Ideology Cards.
  • Volity Area Tokens:** Indicate volatile regions on the board.

    How To Setup SHASN

    To set up SHASN, players first arrange the game board, which is divided into 9 zones. Each player chooses a politician to represent them and starts with a set of initial resources. The Ideology Cards, Voter Cards, and Conspiracy Cards are shuffled and placed within reach. Players then draw their starting hand of Ideology Cards and begin the game by answering the questions on these cards to earn resources.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Answering Ideology Cards:** Players answer questions on real-world political, social, and ethical issues to gain resources.
  • Resource Management:** Manage Funds, Clout, Media, and Trust to influence voters.
  • Area Control:** Place Voter Cards on the board to form majorities in the 9 zones.
  • Conspiracy Cards:** Use these to sabotage opponents or protect your own majorities.
  • Ideologue Powers:** Gain specific powers by collecting multiple cards of the same ideology (The Capitalist, The Supremo, The Showstopper, or The Idealist).
  • Game Objective:** The game ends when a majority is formed in all zones; the player with the most majority voters wins.

    Player Experience

    Playing SHASN immerses you in a dynamic world of politics, ethics, and strategy. You take on the role of a politician, making tough choices on policy questions that reflect real-world issues. The game requires strategic thinking, negotiation, and area control skills. The interplay between resources, ideology powers, and conspiracy cards keeps the game engaging and unpredictable.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme:** SHASN delves deep into political strategy and ethical dilemmas, making it a unique and engaging experience.
  • Strategic Depth:** The game combines resource management, area control, and negotiation, offering a rich strategic landscape.
  • High Replayability:** Multiple campaigns and scenarios (e.g., India 2020, USA 2020, UK 2019-20: Brexit) provide varied gameplay experiences.
  • Visually Appealing:** The game features a “razor-fine aesthetic” that draws players in.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve:** The game can be complex, especially for new players, due to the multiple mechanics and components.
  • Limited Longevity:** Some players feel the game lacks longevity and can become rigid in certain sections.
  • Mixed Reviews:** Opinions are divided; some find it too party-style and not suitable for hardcore strategists.

    Personal Thoughts on SHASN

    SHASN is ideal for players who enjoy political strategy, ethical debates, and complex board games. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a game that challenges their strategic thinking and moral compass. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a straightforward or quick game, as it requires a significant time commitment and can be quite complex. For those intrigued by the intersection of politics and strategy, SHASN offers a unique and engaging experience.

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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