SHASN (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

SHASN is a board game released in 2021, designed by Soumik Lahiri and featuring artwork by Memesys Culture Lab. It falls under the categories of negotiation, political, and territory building games, with gameplay revolving around alliances, area majority/influence, set collection, simulation, and take that mechanics. The game is designed for 3-5 players, with a runtime of 90-120 minutes and an age recommendation of 12 and up.

Game Components of SHASN

Game board featuring 9 zones or constituencies

Ideology Cards with divisive policy questions

Voter Cards to influence voters

Resource tokens (Funds, Clout, Media, Trust)

Ideologue Powers and Conspiracy Cards

Headline Cards and Volatile Area markers

Player boards and tokens

How To Setup SHASN

To set up SHASN, players first arrange the game board, which is divided into 9 zones. Each player chooses a political personality and receives a set of starting resources and Voter Cards. The Ideology Cards, Conspiracy Cards, and Headline Cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game begins with each player answering an Ideology Card question, which sets the stage for resource collection and voter influence.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Resource Management: Players manage Funds, Clout, Media, and Trust.

Area Control: Influence voters in 9 zones to form majorities.

Negotiation: Form coalitions (though this has been removed in later versions).

Strategy: Use Ideologue Powers and Conspiracy Cards to sabotage opponents.

Tableau Building: Build a unique political personality through Ideology Cards.

Game Objective

The goal is to capture the majority of voters in as many zones as possible.

Players must answer Ideology Card questions to gain resources.

Utilize resources to deploy Voter Cards and form majorities.

The game ends when all zones have been captured, and the player with the most majority voters wins.

Player Experience

Playing SHASN immerses you in the world of politics, where every decision is a balancing act between ideals and pragmatism. You must navigate real-world policy questions, manage resources, and outmaneuver your opponents. The game’s dynamic nature, with its mix of resource management, area control, and social interaction, keeps players engaged and invested in their political campaigns.

Pros

Engaging Theme: SHASN offers a unique blend of politics, ethics, and strategy.

High Replayability: Multiple campaigns and variable setup ensure different experiences each time.

Strategic Depth: Combines resource management, area control, and social manipulation.

Aesthetic Appeal: Praised for its “razor-fine aesthetic”.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can last between 90 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the number of players.

Complexity: Some players find the mix of mechanics confusing or not well-integrated.

Limited Longevity: Some players feel the game lacks longevity and can become repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on SHASN

SHASN is for players who enjoy strategic depth, complex decision-making, and a healthy dose of political intrigue. It’s ideal for those who can appreciate the nuances of political campaigning and are not deterred by lengthy gameplay sessions. While it may not appeal to hardcore strategists seeking purely tactical games, it offers a unique experience that combines social interaction, resource management, and area control, making it a compelling choice for those interested in political strategy and ethics.

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