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This Guilty Land (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

This Guilty Land is a board game designed by Cole Wehrle, known for his work on games like Root and Pax Pamir. Released in 2018, this game focuses on the American Civil War era, exploring the political tensions and conflicts of the time.

Game Components of This Guilty Land

  • Mapsheet: 17″ x 22″
  • Counters: 176 (5/8″ size)
  • Rulebook: 12 pages
  • Playbook: 16 pages
  • Player Aid Card**
  • Cards: 50

    How To Setup This Guilty Land

    To set up the game, players first lay out the mapsheet, which represents the political landscape of the pre-Civil War era. Each player receives a set of cards, which are dealt face-up into a display. Players also start building a “Reserve,” a semi-permanent hand of cards that can be used strategically throughout the game. The game components, including counters and player aid cards, are placed according to the instructions in the rulebook.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card-Driven Mechanics: Cards are used in a face-up display, with each card’s uses determined by its generic type.
  • Reserve System: Players can tuck cards away into a Reserve for future use.
  • Political Capital: Actions taken by one player affect the political capital available to the other.
  • Game Objective: The goal is to either achieve abolition (Justice) or maintain the status quo of slavery (Oppression).
  • Solitaire Suitability: High, suitable for playing both sides.

    Player Experience

    **This Guilty Land** offers a unique and thought-provoking experience, focusing on the systemic failures that allowed slavery to persist. Players engage in strategic card management, anticipating and responding to their opponent’s moves. The game’s design ensures transparency, with no hidden information, making it as engaging in solo play as it is in competitive mode.

    Pros

  • Thematic Depth: Tackles a significant historical and moral issue with sensitivity and respect.
  • Strategic Complexity: Requires careful planning and adaptation.
  • Solitaire Friendly: Well-suited for solo play.
  • Transparent Mechanics: No hidden information, making it easy to anticipate and respond to opponent’s actions.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count: Designed for two players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.
  • Emotionally Heavy Theme: The subject matter can be intense and may not be suitable for all players.
  • Complex Setup: Requires careful attention to the rulebook for initial setup.

    Personal Thoughts on This Guilty Land

    **This Guilty Land** is ideal for players interested in historical and politically charged themes, particularly those who appreciate games that challenge their strategic thinking. It is not a game for casual players looking for light entertainment; instead, it is suited for those who value depth and thematic integrity. The game’s ability to handle solo play makes it a great option for those who often play alone or prefer to explore both sides of a complex issue.

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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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