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Unforgiven: The Lincoln Assassination Trial (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Unforgiven: The Lincoln Assassination Trial is a board game that takes players back to the historic trial of the conspirators in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The game sets the stage for players to experience the tension and drama of the trial that followed one of the most infamous events in American history.

Game Components of Unforgiven: The Lincoln Assassination Trial

  • Game Board:** Labeled “Prosecution” and “Defense” with a tracker for the Scales of Justice.
  • Trial Cards:** Include Evidence, Appeals, Reasonable Doubt, Rhetoric, Facts, and Press Barons.
  • Juror Tiles:** Nine distinct tiles representing officers with attributes to convince them.
  • Dice Track:** For resource management using in-game currency called “sway.”
  • Heavyweight Textured Cards and Tiles:** High-quality components with vibrant artwork.
  • Markers and Deep Well Box:** For organized storage and display.

    How To Setup Unforgiven: The Lincoln Assassination Trial

    To set up the game, players arrange the game board with the Scales of Justice tracker in the middle. Each player selects a side, either Prosecution or Defense. The trial cards are shuffled and distributed, and the juror tiles are placed according to their attributes. The game is divided into three phases, and players prepare their resources and arguments for the trial.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Drafting:** Players draft trial cards to gather evidence and build their case.
  • Resource Management:** Using “sway” to acquire resources from the dice track.
  • Juror Persuasion:** Convincing jurors through Appeals to Emotion, National Interest, and Logic.
  • Trial Phases:** Three phases where players expend all available cards.
  • Victory Conditions:**
    – Move the justice marker to “Guilty” or “Innocent” based on reasonable doubt.
    – Convince four individual jurors.
    – Accumulate the most trial points by the end of the third phase.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Unforgiven: The Lincoln Assassination Trial** is a tense and engaging experience, particularly for history enthusiasts and fans of strategic board games. The game requires strategic planning and persuasive argumentation, mimicking the real trial of Mary Surratt. Each turn is rewarding as players build their case and sway the jurors. The game’s historical accuracy and inclusion of diverse characters add depth to the gameplay, making it an absorbing twist on U.S. Civil War and judicial history.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy:** Faithfully recreates the trial of Mary Surratt with real historical figures and events.
  • Strategic Depth:** Multiple paths to victory and a variety of card types to strategize with.
  • High-Quality Components:** Vibrant artwork, heavyweight textured cards, and a well-designed box.
  • Engaging Mechanics:** Combination of card drafting, resource management, and juror persuasion.
  • Educational Value:** Provides insight into a pivotal moment in U.S. history.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count:** Designed for two players only.
  • Time Investment:** While the game is relatively short (about 25 minutes), it requires focused attention and strategy.
  • Thematic Appeal:** The theme may not appeal to everyone, particularly those not interested in historical trials.

    Personal Thoughts on Unforgiven: The Lincoln Assassination Trial

    **Unforgiven: The Lincoln Assassination Trial** is perfect for fans of historical games, strategic board games, and those interested in the U.S. Civil War era. It is an excellent choice for couples or anyone looking for a tense, head-to-head battle of wits. The game’s unique blend of card drafting, resource management, and juror persuasion makes it a compelling addition to any board game collection. While it may not replace favorites like **7 Wonders Duel**, it certainly stands as a strong contender in the player-versus-player game category.

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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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