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The Science and Seance Society (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

The Science and Seance Society is a board game released in 2020, designed by Daniel Newman and illustrated by New Mill Industries. It is a two-player game that combines elements of card games and dice rolling with a theme centered around a mysterious society exploring the boundaries between science and the supernatural.

Game Components of The Science and Seance Society

  • 18 Poker size cards
  • 24 Tarot size cards
  • 10 Mini cards
  • 8 red dice, 8 black dice, 8 white dice
  • Dice bag
  • Dice screen
  • Science Engine Cards
  • Science Ability cards
  • Science Engine Markers
  • Tarot Cards with black and white backs
  • Ability Cards for Seance player
  • Void Card.

    How To Setup The Science and Seance Society

    To set up the game, you need to follow different steps for each player. For the Science player, split the Science Engine Cards into two piles (light and dark gray), shuffle them, and take four light gray and three dark gray cards to form the initial hand. Discard one of each color and place the remaining cards face-up. Place the Science Ability cards and Science Engine Markers nearby. Mix the dice in the bag, take four out, and roll them.

    For the Seance player, shuffle the black-backed Tarot Cards, ensuring some are rotated 180 degrees. Take three black-backed cards and place them with two gray (white-backed) cards in between. Reveal these cards and let the Science player choose which color (black or white) the Seance player will use. Lay out the matching Ability Cards and draw three cards. Finally, place the Void Card between the two players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Game Objective

  • Seance Player:** Arrange Tarot cards in numeric (1-2-3-4-5) or alphabetical (A-B-C-D-E) order from left to right. Win by properly aligning all cards before the Science player wins or the deck runs out.
  • Science Player:** Fill all 5 Science Engine Cards with dice, meeting specific requirements for each card. Win by completing all engine cards before the Seance player wins or the dice are depleted.

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Seance Player:** Draw cards, replace cards in the tableau, discard cards, and activate abilities. Manipulate cards to achieve the desired order.
  • Science Player:** Place dice on Engine Cards, following specific color and number requirements. Optionally place dice on Seance Cards to disable their abilities and draw new cards to replace discarded ones.

    Player Experience

    The game offers a unique and engaging experience with two distinct playstyles. The Seance player focuses on manipulating Tarot cards, using various abilities to align them correctly. The Science player is meticulous about placing dice on Engine Cards, managing resources carefully. The game encourages proactive luck mitigation, with both players having the potential to win with the right strategies and minimal interference from their opponent.

    Pros

  • Asymmetric Gameplay:** Offers two unique playstyles, keeping the game interesting and challenging.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires careful planning and resource management.
  • Thematic Integrity:** The Victorian-era theme is well-integrated into the mechanics and components.
  • Competitive Balance:** Both players have strong chances of winning, making the game competitive and engaging.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** The setup process can be intricate, especially for new players.
  • Limited Player Count:** Designed only for two players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.
  • Dependency on Luck:** Dice rolls and card draws can introduce a level of luck that may not appeal to all players.

    Personal Thoughts on The Science and Seance Society

    This game is ideal for players who enjoy asymmetric gameplay, strategic planning, and a touch of Victorian mystique. It’s a great choice for couples or friends who appreciate competitive yet respectful rivalry. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking games with larger player counts or who prefer games with minimal luck involved. Overall, it’s a well-designed game that challenges players to prove the superiority of either magic or science in a delightful and competitive manner.

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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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