The King Is Dead: Second Edition (2020) Board Game

The King Is Dead: Second Edition is a board game that was released in 2020 by Osprey Games. Designed by Peer Sylvester and featuring artwork by Benoit Billion and Peer Sylvester, the game is set in a medieval political landscape where players compete for influence and power in a struggle for the throne.

Game Components of The King Is Dead: Second Edition

Board: Represents the divided kingdom with various regions.

Follower Cubes: Color-coded cubes for the English, Welsh, and Scottish factions.

Action Cards: Eight cards per player, each representing different actions like moving or adding cubes.

Region Cards: Placed face-up next to numbered spaces on the board.

Victory Card: Double-sided, used to determine the winner.

Negotiation and Instability Disks: Used to mark resolved regions and indicate instability or French control.

Black French Control Disks: Indicate French invasion.

How To Setup The King Is Dead: Second Edition

To set up the game, start by placing the board and setting out the follower cubes according to their starting regions: Welsh in Gwynedd, Scottish in Moray, and English in Essex. Each region should have four follower cubes. Players receive two random followers and a set of eight action cards. Region cards are shuffled and placed face-up next to the numbered spaces on the board. Negotiation and instability disks are placed as indicated, and each player gets a white negotiation disk.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Area Majority / Influence: Players manipulate follower cubes to control regions.

Campaign / Battle Card Driven: Actions are driven by the cards players play.

Communication Limits: Players must strategize without direct communication.

Hand Management: Players manage their limited set of action cards.

Map Reduction: The board changes as regions are resolved.

Game Objective

Objective: Players aim to gain favor with the most powerful faction by manipulating follower cubes and using action cards strategically.

Game End: The game ends either when all eight power struggles are resolved, or if the French place three control disks on the board, indicating an invasion.

Winning Conditions: The player with the most followers of the most powerful faction wins. In case of a tie, the player with the most followers of the second most powerful faction wins, or the player who played all their cards first.

Player Experience

The King Is Dead: Second Edition offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players must navigate the complexities of medieval politics, balancing the need to strengthen their preferred faction while also gaining favor with that faction. Each turn involves careful consideration of which action to take and when, as the game’s outcome can change dramatically with each power struggle. The game is known for its simplicity in rules but depth in strategy, making it engaging for players who enjoy abstract strategy and area control games.

Pros

High Replayability: The game’s random setup and limited actions ensure each game is unique.

Strategic Depth: Simple rules hide a complex and engaging gameplay experience.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last between 30-45 minutes.

Dynamic Team Play: At four players, the game becomes a team-based game, adding an additional layer of strategy.

Cons

Limited Actions: Players have only eight actions throughout the game, requiring careful planning.

High Dependency on Timing: The timing of playing cards is crucial, which can be challenging to master.

Potential for Downtime: Players must often pass turns, which can lead to periods of inactivity.

Personal Thoughts on The King Is Dead: Second Edition

The King Is Dead: Second Edition is ideal for players who enjoy strategic gameplay with a medieval twist. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate abstract strategy and area control mechanics. The game’s balance between simplicity in rules and depth in strategy makes it appealing to both casual and experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with more direct interaction or those who are frustrated by limited action sets and potential downtime.

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