Vienna Connection (2021) Board Game

Vienna Connection is a board game released in 2021 by Portal Games. It is a deduction and mystery game set in the world of spies and secret agents. The game is designed by Jakub Łapot, Jakub Poczęty, Przemysław Rymer, and Ignacy Trzewiczek, featuring artwork by Portal Games.

Game Components of Vienna Connection

Game Board: Depicts various locations across Europe, including Vienna, Prague, and Berlin.

Mission Sheets: Four missions forming one epic story.

Code Cards: Used for decoding secret messages.

Local Agent Cards: Provide invaluable help in different cities.

Operation Cards: Reveal new opportunities and tasks.

Exposure Trackers: Monitor the risk of being detected by enemy agents.

Antares Website Access: For special files, including audio from intercepted transmissions.

How To Setup Vienna Connection

To set up Vienna Connection, begin by selecting the first mission and preparing the mission sheet. Each player chooses their CIA agent role. Distribute the necessary components such as code cards, local agent cards, and operation cards. Ensure each player understands their starting objectives and the overall mission goal. The game also requires access to the Antares website for additional resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together as a team of CIA agents.

Detective Investigation System: Mechanisms inspired by Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game, adapted for Cold War espionage.

Gathering Intel: Communicate with local agents, police, and informants to gather reports and documents.

Decoding Messages: Use code cards to decode secret messages from allies and enemies.

Managing Exposure: Keep activities covert to avoid aborting the mission due to high exposure.

Carrying Out Operations: Activate local agents and perform covert operations to reveal new opportunities.

Submitting Final Report: After completing each mission, submit a final report via the Antares website.

Player Experience

Vienna Connection offers an immersive game night experience, feeling like a real espionage adventure. Players delve into a gripping plot deeply rooted in actual historical events of the Cold War era. The game involves deciphering messages, analyzing reports, and brainstorming with teammates, making it a engaging and interactive experience.

Pros

Immersive Storytelling: A fictional story inspired by true events, making the experience feel very real.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines investigation, decoding, and covert operations to keep players engaged.

Historical Context: Encounters with historical figures and real places add to the authenticity.

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and collaborative problem-solving.

Cons

Lengthy Campaign: The full campaign takes around 12-15 hours to complete.

Limited Replayability: Designed to be played through each mission up to two times.

Complex Setup: Requires preparation and understanding of the game’s mechanics and components.

Personal Thoughts on Vienna Connection

Vienna Connection is perfect for those who love story-driven games with immersive narration and engaging plots. It is ideal for fans of TV shows like True Detective, The Spy, or Mosaic, and for anyone fascinated by Cold War espionage. The game is not a quick, casual play but rather a dedicated game night experience that requires commitment and teamwork. It is a great choice for groups who enjoy brainstorming and solving mysteries together.

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