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Watergate (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Watergate is a two-player card-driven board game that is based on the infamous political scandal that took place in the United States in the 1970s. Players take on the roles of either the Nixon administration or the Washington Post journalists, trying to either cover up the scandal or expose the truth.

Game Components of Watergate

  • Game board** featuring an Evidence board and a Research Track
  • Card decks** unique to each player (Nixon and the Editor of the Washington Post)
  • Evidence tokens** and **Momentum tokens**
  • Initiative token**
  • Informant cards** and **event cards**
  • Conspirator cards** for Nixon
  • Journalist cards** for the Editor

    How To Setup Watergate

    To set up Watergate, each player starts with their respective deck of cards. The game board is prepared by placing the Initiative token, Momentum token, and three face-down evidence tokens on the “0” mark of the Research Track. The Evidence board is set up with spaces for the seven Informants around its perimeter. Players draw their starting hand of cards, with the Editor drawing four cards and Nixon drawing five if he has the Initiative token.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Card-driven system:** Players play cards to move tokens or use special events.
  • Multi-use cards:** Each card can move tokens, use events, or be removed from the game.
  • Initiative and Momentum tokens:** Determine player order and progress toward winning conditions.
  • Evidence tokens:** Moved along the track and used to build connections on the Evidence board.

    Game Objective

  • Nixon:** Survive until the end of his term by collecting five Momentum tokens or blocking the Editor’s investigation.
  • Editor:** Connect two Informants to Nixon on the Evidence board by collecting and placing evidence tokens.

    Player Experience

    Playing Watergate feels like a tense, high-stakes tug of war between the Nixon administration and the investigative journalists. Each turn is divided into three phases: setup, card play, and evaluation. The game requires strategic thinking, as players must balance competing factors such as collecting evidence, gaining momentum, and managing initiative. The historical theme and clever card mechanics make the game engaging and immersive.

    Pros

  • Tight theme:** The game’s historical context and thematic elements are well-integrated and engaging.
  • Balanced gameplay:** Despite initial impressions, the game is well-balanced, with each side having unique challenges and strategies.
  • High tension:** Most games come down to the last turn or round, keeping players on the edge.
  • Simple to learn, complex to master:** The rules are straightforward, but the gameplay is deep and strategic.
  • Fast-paced:** Games typically last 40-45 minutes, making it a great fit for shorter gaming sessions.

    Cons

  • Some cards feel overpowered:** Certain event cards can significantly swing the game in one player’s favor.
  • Expensive:** Compared to other two-player games, Watergate is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
  • Theme may be off-putting for some:** The historical and political nature of the game can be off-putting, especially in current political climates.

    Personal Thoughts on Watergate

    Watergate is an excellent addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who enjoy strategic, two-player games. It is ideal for players who appreciate historical themes and are looking for a game that combines simple rules with deep, complex gameplay. The game’s ability to recreate the tension and cat-and-mouse dynamics of the Watergate scandal makes it a compelling and engaging experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more casual or light-hearted game, as it requires focused strategic thinking and can be emotionally intense due to its theme.

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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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