Virtual Revolution (2023) Board Game

Virtual Revolution is a board game that was released in 2023 by Hachette Boardgames USA. It is designed by Guy-Roger Duvert and Cyril Villalonga, with artwork by Benjamin Sjöberg. The game is set in a futuristic world of virtual reality, where players compete to gain influence and control over different areas.

Game Components of Virtual Revolution

Player Boards: Layered boards with cutouts for Influence tokens, though these can be cumbersome to use.

Director Tokens: Three unique tokens per player, though they lack distinct abilities.

Influence Discs: Used for area control and managing Corruption.

Agent Cards: Representing different agents that players can recruit.

Verse Cards: Available in a market, these cards provide various benefits.

Server Tokens: Used to build servers in different boroughs.

Corruption Cards: Introduce negative effects and manage Interpol raids.

Eurocredits: The game’s currency.

Immunity Tokens: Protect against Corruption effects.

How To Setup Virtual Revolution

To set up the game, each player selects their player board and places their Director tokens within reach. Players draw two Objective cards, which they will aim to fulfill during the game. The Verse and Agent card markets are set up, and each player starts with a predefined amount of Eurocredits and Influence discs. The game map of Neo Paris is placed in the center, and players are ready to begin their first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Director Placement: Each turn, players place one of their Director tokens in any borough of Neo Paris.

Influence Management: Players adjust Influence discs in the chosen borough to control areas.

Actions: Players can choose from five actions: Work (gain Eurocredits), Recruit an Agent, Build a Server, Create a Verse, or Make a Donation (to manage Corruption).

Corruption Management: Players must manage Corruption cards to avoid Interpol raids, which can severely impact their progress.

Scoring: The game is scored across multiple categories including servers, Agents, Borough control, Verse cards, and personal Objectives.

Player Experience

**Virtual Revolution** offers a highly interactive and competitive experience. Players are constantly vying for control of different boroughs, recruiting agents, and managing their influence. The game is cutthroat, with players frequently removing each other’s pieces and competing for resources. The Corruption mechanic adds a layer of tension, as players must balance their ambitions with the risk of attracting unwanted attention from Interpol.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The cyberpunk setting and theme from the 2016 film are well-integrated into the gameplay.

High Player Interaction: The game is highly competitive, with players constantly influencing each other’s moves.

Multiple Scoring Categories: Offers a variety of ways to score points, making the game replayable.

Quality Components: The game features attractive and functional components, including layered player boards and unique wooden pieces.

Cons

Director Token Design: The unique Director tokens lack distinct abilities, which is seen as a missed opportunity.

Influence Disc Holders: The design of the Influence disc holders on the player boards can be impractical and cumbersome.

Complexity in Setup and Rules: While the core gameplay is simple, the rules and setup can be complex, especially for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Virtual Revolution

**Virtual Revolution** is ideal for fans of strategy and area control games who enjoy a high level of player interaction. The game’s complex scoring system and multiple mechanics make it suitable for experienced players looking for a challenging and immersive experience. However, new players may find the setup and rules somewhat daunting. Overall, it is a well-designed game with a compelling theme, though it has some minor design quirks that do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

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