Witchcraft! (2023) Board Game

Witchcraft! is a card game designed by Trevor Benjamin, Roger Tankersley, and David Thompson, with artwork by Albert Monteys. It was published by Salt & Pepper Games in in 2023. The game is designed for 1 player, with a playing time of 20–40 minutes and is suitable for ages 10 and up. The game falls under the category of card games and features various gameplay mechanics such as Card Play Conflict Resolution, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Hand Management, Open Drafting, and Push Your Luck.

Game Components of Witchcraft!

Card deck for magic and challenges

Juror cards

Mission cards

Enemy cards

Player tokens and markers

Rulebook

How To Setup Witchcraft!

To set up the game, players need to shuffle the deck and draw a starting hand. Juror cards are placed on the table, representing the village’s opinion of the player’s magic. Mission cards are drawn and placed face down, awaiting the player’s actions. Enemy cards are also prepared, as they will be encountered during the game. The player tokens and markers are used to track progress and resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hidden / Revealed Mechanism: Players must decide when to use magic, risking exposure and imprisonment.

Card-Driven: The game uses a card deck to present challenges and opportunities.

Solo Only: Designed for single-player experience.

Objective: Complete missions, defeat enemies, and persuade the jurors that magic is not evil to avoid imprisonment.

Player Experience

In **Witchcraft**, players take on the role of a witch leading a coven in a fantasy world filled with magic and monsters. The game is fast-paced, lasting between 20-40 minutes, and is suitable for players aged 10 and above. Players must balance the need to use magic to overcome challenges with the risk of being exposed to the villagers, who may imprison them for witchcraft. The game requires strategic thinking and timely decision-making to persuade the jurors of the player’s innocence and usefulness to the village.

Pros

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Quick sessions make it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Strategic Depth: The hidden/revealed mechanism adds complexity and challenge.

Solo Experience: Perfect for players who enjoy solo games or have limited gaming groups.

Engaging Theme: The fantasy setting and witchcraft theme are engaging and immersive.

Cons

Limited Availability: Due to licensing requirements, available only in the US and CA.

Single-Player Only: No option for multiplayer, which may limit replayability for some players.

Complexity: While more complex than some other solitaire games, it may require a learning curve.

Personal Thoughts on Witchcraft!

**Witchcraft** is ideal for fans of solitaire games who enjoy strategic gameplay and a compelling fantasy theme. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate the challenge of managing risks and rewards, and for players looking for a game that can be completed in under an hour. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking multiplayer experiences or those outside the US and CA due to availability restrictions.

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