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The Scarlet Pimpernel (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a board game based on the classic novel of the same name by Baroness Orczy. In the game, players take on the roles of spies and secret agents during the French Revolution, working to rescue French nobles from the guillotine. The game was released in 2019 and is designed by Ian O’Toole, featuring artwork by Eagle-Gryphon Games.

Game Components of The Scarlet Pimpernel

  • Board:** A large, six-fold board featuring a map divided into regions of England, France, Paris, and Vienna.
  • Player Cubes:** Marker cubes for each player to place on the board.
  • Mission Cards:** Detailing the objectives and requirements for each mission.
  • Location Cards:** Triggering various actions and bonuses.
  • Building Tiles:** For preparing resources like disguises, forged documents, wagons, and horses.
  • Special Favor Tiles:** Granting additional actions and bonuses.
  • Character Tiles:** Each player has a unique identity from the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel.
  • Chauvelin Token:** Representing the French hunter pursuing the Scarlet Pimpernel.

    How To Setup The Scarlet Pimpernel

    To set up the game, players begin by placing the large board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a character tile and receives a set of marker cubes. Mission cards are shuffled and one is drawn to set the current mission. The board is divided into various regions and locations where players will place their cubes. Special Favor tiles are placed in their respective areas, ready for players to claim.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Worker Placement:** Players place their cubes on the board to secure routes, prepare locations, and gather resources.
  • Area Majority:** Players compete for majority control in six planning areas to gain Special Favor tiles.
  • Resource Management:** Managing cubes to achieve mission objectives.
  • Semi-cooperative:** Players work together to succeed in missions but compete to become the most trusted advisor.

    Game Objective

  • Mission Success:** Secure the route, prepare the destination, and gather the required resources and supporters.
  • Scoring Points:** Players score points by marking Mission spaces and selecting cubes to score.
  • Winning Condition:** The player with the most points after the seventh mission becomes the Scarlet Pimpernel’s most trusted advisor.

    Player Experience

    In The Scarlet Pimpernel, players are immersed in a strategic game of preparing missions to rescue French aristocrats from the Reign of Terror. The game is characterized by a blend of cooperative and competitive elements, where players must balance helping the Scarlet Pimpernel succeed with their own ambition to become the most trusted advisor. The game features a large, visually appealing board and numerous components that add depth to the gameplay.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme:** Set in a historical context with a compelling narrative.
  • Strategic Depth:** Multiple layers of strategy involving resource management, area majority, and worker placement.
  • Beautiful Components:** High-quality board and components.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** Constant shifts in majority control and Special Favors add dynamic elements.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** May be overwhelming for new players due to multiple mechanics.
  • Chauvelin Mechanic:** Some players feel the Chauvelin mechanic is underwhelming and lacks immersive tension.
  • Length:** The game can be quite long, spanning seven rounds.

    Personal Thoughts on The Scarlet Pimpernel

    The Scarlet Pimpernel is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a mix of cooperative and competitive elements. It is particularly suited for those interested in historical themes and complex gameplay mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for new or casual board game players due to its complexity and length. For fans of games like “Pandemic” or “Terraforming Mars,” The Scarlet Pimpernel offers a unique blend of strategy and thematic engagement.

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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

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