Wir sind das Volk! (2014) Board Game

Wir sind das Volk! is a board game that was released in 2014 by Histogame. Designed by Richard Sivél and Peer Sylvester, this game is set during the Cold War era in Germany, where players take on the roles of East and West Germany trying to navigate the political and economic challenges of the time.

Game Components of Wir sind das Volk!

Gameboard: Depicts East and West Germany, including West Berlin and East Berlin.

Action Cards: 84 individually designed cards, divided into four sets for each decade.

Living Standards Polygons: 35 pieces.

Unrest Cubes: 50 pieces.

Socialist Cubes: 12 pieces.

Infrastructure Tokens: 70 pieces.

Factories: 24 yellow, 11 red, 4 purple, and 12 rundown factories.

Mass Protest Tokens: 10 pieces.

Prestige, Western Currency, Socialist, Flight, and End of Decade Tokens: Various pieces.

How To Setup Wir sind das Volk!

To set up the game, players begin by placing unrest counters in the provinces, with 2 counters in each of the 3 West German supplier provinces and 3 counters in the other 11 provinces. Each player places initial factories in designated cities. The prestige, Western currency, socialist, and end of decade tokens are also set up according to the rules. The gameboard is prepared with the card displays for each decade and the holding box for socialists and other markers. For a detailed setup, refer to the official rules or a setup guide.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Driven Gameplay: Players use action cards to build their economies and increase living standards.

Economic and Living Standards: Build up your economy and increase living standards to avoid unrest.

International Prestige: Win the contest for international prestige to gain advantages.

Mass Protests: Manage unrest to prevent mass protests, which can lead to game loss.

Victory Conditions:
– East Germany wins if 12 socialists are on the board, the game concludes without collapse, or both sides collapse simultaneously.
– West Germany wins if socialists need to be removed but none are left, or if the East must dismantle infrastructure but has none.

Player Experience

**Wir sind das Volk** offers a highly thematic and replayable experience. The game is designed to recreate the history of divided Germany from 1945 to 1989, making each playthrough unique due to the varied action cards. Players appreciate the game’s ability to capture the Cold War era’s atmosphere and the strategic depth in managing economies, living standards, and international prestige. The game’s components are elegant and functional, contributing to a smooth and immersive experience.

Pros

High Replayability: Each game is different due to the varied action cards.

Thematic Depth: The game accurately captures the historical context of divided Germany.

Strategic Complexity: Requires precise planning and management of resources.

Well-Designed Components: Elegant and functional components enhance gameplay.

Balanced Play: Both sides have unique paths to victory, making the game balanced and challenging.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game has complex rules that require time to learn.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can last between 60 to 150 minutes.

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Historical Knowledge: Appreciation of the game’s theme is enhanced by knowledge of the Cold War era.

Personal Thoughts on Wir sind das Volk!

**Wir sind das Volk** is ideal for players who enjoy historical and strategic games, particularly those interested in the Cold War era. It is a great choice for fans of card-driven games like **Twilight Struggle**, but it offers a unique and distinct gameplay experience. The game’s theme and mechanics make it appealing to those who appreciate the intricacies of political and economic management during a pivotal historical period. However, it may not be the best fit for gamers seeking quick, casual experiences or those new to complex board games.

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