1648
- Designer Charles Féaux de la Croix
- Publisher (Web published)
- Illustration Charles Féaux de la Croix
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In 1648, you take on the role of European statesmen after the Peace of Westphalia. Compete against eight others in a large geopolitical power struggle by secretly bidding influence points to gain support from minor powers. The game involves moving military units on a map and intense negotiations. It’s based on Diplomacy but adds unique treatment of smaller powers with their own units.
Who Is This Game For?
1648 is aimed at experienced players seeking complex negotiation and long strategic games for nine participants. It is an expert-level game with a lengthy playtime around six hours, requiring patience and an interest in historical-political themes. It’s not an entry-level game but demands strategic planning and negotiation skills.
How It Works
The game combines Area Movement with Simultaneous Action Selection, meaning all players plan and execute moves simultaneously. Players secretly bid influence points in auctions to gain the support of minor powers. Player Elimination is possible as players can be geopolitically outmaneuvered. Interaction and negotiation among nine players are central to gameplay.
What Makes It Special
Charles Féaux de la Croix designed 1648 as a Diplomacy variant focused on the Thirty Years War. It stands out by integrating smaller powers with their own units and influence bidding mechanics. Though it lacks awards, it is a notable print-and-play political wargame niche title.
Pro
- Unique mix of Diplomacy mechanics and military units
- High interaction through negotiation and simultaneous action selection
- Strategic depth via influence auctions on minor powers
Contra
- Very long playtime around six hours
- Only designed for exactly nine players
- Complexity and negotiation depth require patience
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set after the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, depicting Europe’s political landscape during the Thirty Years War. Players represent European statesmen vying for influence and power.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand negotiation mechanics and be patient during long negotiation phases.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, 1648 is designed exclusively for nine players and has no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts about six hours, making it a lengthy session for experienced players.
What prior experience do I need?
It is an expert game requiring experience with complex negotiation and wargames.
How does this compare to similar games?
1648 is based on Diplomacy but adds military units for minor powers and influence auctions, changing the dynamic.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity, playtime, and minimum age of 12, it is better suited for experienced player groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Area Movement, Auction/Bidding, and Simultaneous Action Selection makes 1648 unique.
Fazit
1648 is a demanding strategy game for nine players who enjoy long, intense negotiation games. It suits groups ready to invest time and effort into a complex political wargame.
