The game "French Revolution 1789" attached to the wargame magazine Game Journal #89 stimulates the political struggle at the end of the 18th century in France, spanning from the twilight of Louis XVI's reign to the emergence of Napoleon. It's a multiplayer game designed for two to five players (four players is optimal). Each player assumes the role of a faction, endeavouring to accumulate the most Victory Points (VPs), which reflect popular acclaim and historical accomplishments, by collecting influential figures, garnering support from cities, and orchestrating changes in the political landscape.
The game runs 5 turns, each in 2 parts - an auction phase where players bid on cards representing people and events, and an action phase where players use actions on their cards to vote, arrest rivals, go into exile, and lead armies. (This summary is by Mr. Scott Muldoon, who translated the rules into English. Thanks, Scott!).
Actions available to players are restricted based on the Political System. The game begins with Absolutisme and can transition to Empire or even Egalitarianism (a bud of communism). During the Absolutisme, players are limited to Voting to change the System and Placating the Nobility to gain support from cities. In the Republique, players can Arrest a person from another faction or Execute one (the tumult of the French Revolution!). Persons can be exiled to foreign countries, similar to Marie Antoinette's attempted escape. Then they can trigger the dispatch of Coalition armies, trying to undermine support in a city for other players.
The Political system can change through voting, directly impacting the Victory Points (VPs) players receive. For instance, if you possess Louis XVI while the system remains Absolutism, you can earn 5 VPs at the end of a turn. As the revolution progresses, the system evolves, compelling each player to strategize which figures they should acquire.
This game offers simple rules for quick and easy play. To enhance gameplay, it's beneficial to understand the abilities associated with each card. Here, you can savor some flavor:
Napoleon
No explanation needed for this figure, right? When the Political System is Empire, he brings 10VPs! (Vive l'empereur!!), which is a much larger gain of VPs compared to other person cards. He can initiate a coup d'état and also deploy formidable corps.
Marie Antoinette
She can contribute 3VPs when the System is Absolutism, but she cannot perform Placate the Nobility or Vote actions.
Robespierre
Contributes 5 VPs if the System is Republique. He can add +3 points of voting to Republique, and if you possess the Tennis Court Oath card, acquiring Robespierre becomes easier.
Talleyrand
A genius of changing sides. He can add 4 points of voting to ANY system.
Here are some event cards:
Storming of the Bastille
The fury of the French people erupts. The player who obtains this card gains the support of Paris. Additionally, that player can vote for Monarchie Constitutionnelle.
Declaration of Pillnitz
Coalition sends troops to suppress the revolution. If you possess Marie Antoinette, obtaining this card becomes easier, as she hails from the House of Habsburg.
Scott Muldoon mentioned that he translated the rules into English, and I hope he also develops a Vassal module in English. Any publisher interested in this game?
*この「フランス革命 1789」の紹介、もともとは昨年、
War-Gamers Advent Calendarを主催されているHAさんから「英語でブログを書け!」という鬼のような指示があり、泣きながら草稿を作ったものです。幸いアドベントカレンダーは全部空きが埋まり(さすがは日本のウォーゲーマーのみなさん!)私が書く必要はなくなったんですが、Scott Muldoonさんがルールを英訳したとポストしているのを見て、うぉおおーっと拙速で書きあげました。HAさんの無茶ぶりがなかったらこんなことはできなかったので、今では感謝しています。
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