This War of Mine: The Board Game (2017) Board Game

This War of Mine: The Board Game is based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name. The video game was inspired by the Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, and it focuses on the civilian experience of war. The board game adaptation was published by Awaken Realms in 2017 and designed by Michał Oracz and Jakub Wiśniewski.

Game Components of This War of Mine: The Board Game

Game Board: Double-sided with different configurations for basic and advanced play.

Cards: Numerous cards for events, locations, and loot piles.

Tokens: Representing food, weapons, parts, status effects, medicines, and other resources.

Miniatures: Detailed minis for each playable character.

Dice: Four dice used for battle and scavenging.

Plastic Pieces: Representing wood, gears, and water.

Book of Scripts: Includes scenarios and events that add randomness and ethical dilemmas.

How To Setup This War of Mine: The Board Game

Setting up the game involves placing the various card draw piles on the board, which is labeled to simplify the process. The board itself is divided into different rooms and areas that players must clear to find resources. The insert provided helps in organizing the components, making setup relatively efficient despite the game’s complexity.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: 1-6 players work together to survive.

Day and Night Phases: Characters perform tasks during the day and scavenge or prepare for raids at night.

Resource Management: Players manage limited resources such as food, medicine, and building materials.

Event Cards: Players draw event cards that introduce random challenges and ethical dilemmas.

Objectives: Each chapter has randomized objectives with rewards or penalties.

Game Length: Advertised 45-120 minutes, but games can extend past 5 hours.

Game Objective: Survive the conflict by managing resources and making tough decisions until the “Ceasefire” card is reached.

Player Experience

Playing **This War of Mine: The Board Game** is a grueling and intense experience that immerses players in the struggles of civilians during a war. The game forces players to make difficult ethical decisions, such as stealing food or protecting their shelter from raids. The lack of control and reliance on random outcomes creates a sense of helplessness, which is a deliberate design choice to reflect the reality of war. While the game is not described as “fun” in the traditional sense, it is praised for its artistic merit and educational value.

Pros

Immersive Experience: Provides a unique perspective on war from the civilians’ point of view.

Deep Story Elements: Each game is different due to the randomness of events and scenarios.

High-Quality Components: Sturdy and detailed components enhance the game experience.

Solo Play: Highly recommended for solo players due to its engaging and challenging nature.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can extend far beyond the advertised time.

Bookkeeping: A significant portion of the game involves managing counters, decks, and tokens.

Lack of Control: The random nature of the game can be frustrating for players seeking control.

Emotionally Challenging: The game’s bleakness and ethical dilemmas can be emotionally taxing.

Personal Thoughts on This War of Mine: The Board Game

**This War of Mine: The Board Game** is ideal for players looking for a deeply immersive and thought-provoking experience rather than a light-hearted game. It is particularly suited for solo players and those interested in historical or war-themed games. While it may not be “fun” in the traditional sense, it offers a powerful and educational experience that can leave a lasting impact on players. If you are ready for a challenging and emotionally intense game, **This War of Mine: The Board Game** is definitely worth considering.

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