The Opulent (2016) Board Game

The Opulent is a board game released in 2016, designed by Aaron Yung and featuring artwork by Black Locust Games. It falls under the economic category and incorporates various game mechanisms such as cooperative play, dice rolling, hand management, push your luck, set collection, and variable player powers. With a playing time of 30-90 minutes and suitable for players aged 16 and above, The Opulent offers an engaging gaming experience for 1-4 players.

Game Components of The Opulent

Player boards: Each player has a unique board reflecting their character’s abilities and role.

Campaign book: Drives the narrative and challenges of the game.

Character cards: Define player abilities and strengths.

Resource tokens: Used for managing the speakeasy.

Event cards: Introduce challenges and opportunities.

Dice: For resolving conflicts and actions.

Miniatures: Representing characters and patrons.

How To Setup The Opulent

Setting up the game involves each player selecting a character and receiving their respective player board and character cards. The campaign book is opened to the first scenario, and resource tokens, event cards, and dice are distributed according to the initial setup instructions. Players then prepare their speakeasy by placing the necessary components on the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative gameplay: Players work together to manage the speakeasy.

Asymmetrical roles: Each player has unique abilities and responsibilities.

Campaign-driven: The game is driven by a narrative from the campaign book.

Resource management: Players must manage resources to keep the speakeasy operational.

Conflict resolution: Using dice rolls to resolve conflicts with law enforcement and other challenges.

Objective: Keep the speakeasy running successfully while navigating the challenges of prohibition.

Player Experience

Playing **The Opulent** immerses players in the vibrant and risky world of 1920s prohibition. Each player takes on a distinct role, such as a bartender, a musician, or a bootlegger, which adds a layer of complexity and cooperation. The game combines strategic resource management with the unpredictability of event cards and dice rolls, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

Pros

Immersive theme: The game deeply embeds players in the prohibition era.

Asymmetrical roles: Adds variety and replayability.

Cooperative gameplay: Encourages teamwork and strategy.

Narrative drive: The campaign book provides a rich storyline.

Simple to learn: Despite the depth, the game is relatively easy to pick up.

Cons

Lengthy setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming.

Limited player count: Designed for 1-4 players.

Dependence on campaign book: The game’s narrative is heavily reliant on the campaign book.

Personal Thoughts on The Opulent

**The Opulent** is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative games with a strong thematic focus. It’s perfect for those interested in historical settings, particularly the 1920s prohibition era. The game’s asymmetrical roles and campaign-driven narrative make it appealing for players looking for a mix of strategy and storytelling. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking quick, straightforward games due to its setup time and complexity.

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