Stephan Dorra’s Intrigue
From: Mayfair Games
Reviewed by: Ron McClung
Stephan Dorra’s Intrigue is a new Board Game from Mayfair Games.
The old saying holds true – good things come in small packages. The basic premise of this game is that you are a master of a palace with 8 unemployed scholars. You must must coerce, cajole, con, bully, beg and bribe the other palace holders to employ these freeloading academics (are there any other kind) and bring you profit. You must beware of double-crossing opponents who may not honor your deals and banish your scholars to the “Island of Misfit Scholars.” This is a very in-your-face backstabbing, ruthless and brutal game contained in a little package with only a few components.
From the back cover : “A Game of bribery, bluffing, betrayal, and banishment Intrigue”
We played with a group of 4, and the game went very fast. That’s really saying something for a group of people that usually turn a 1-hour game into a 4-hour game. On top of that, my group is very back stabbing. This game was right up their alley. The mechanics (which are almost non-existent) are very simple and simply guide the flow of the game to keep things orderly. You basically have 5 rounds to be the one with the most money. The turn sequence is very simple – collect salaries, resolve your applicants, and send out two scholars. Conflicts are resolved through bribery and promises. It is a very fast paced game.In conclusion, I have to say that when I opened the box I was not impressed with the contents. It just did not look like there was a lot to the game. Ironically, there was not much to it, but you did not need much. It is an incredibly imaginative and fun game. My group enjoyed it thoroughly. There is no way this game can be longer than an hour or so as it is limited to 5 rounds. It is a very fun and high-quality game.
For more details on Mayfair Games and their new Board Game “Stephan Dorra’s Intrigue” check them out at their website http://www.mayfairgames.com, and at all of your local game stores.
Stephan Dorra’s Intrigue
From: Mayfair Games
Type of Game: Board Game
Game Design by: Stephan Dorra
Number of Pages: 12 page rule book
Game Components Included: 5 palaces, 40 scholars, play money, The Island of Misfit Scholars, rulebook
Retail Price: $ 20.00 (US)
Number of Players: 5
Player Ages: 12+
Play Time: 45min
Item Number: ASI 5721
Website: www.mayfairgames.com
Reviewed by: Ron McClung