Clandestine
Clandestine at your next game night?
Add Clandestine to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Jason Brooks
- Publisher Brookspun Games
- Illustration Joan Belda , James Churchill , Meredith Dillman , Diego Sanchez
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You lead a secret society, discover relics and generate Intrigue while planning moves across interconnected rondel-mancalas. The design uses Multi-Use Cards and Variable Player Powers so each society plays differently. Turns are described as quick, but the game focuses on long-term building and upgrading your society. According to the designer, the game ends when a society reaches its maximum upgrade level.
Who Is This Game For?
Clandestine is aimed at midweight gamers who enjoy complex planning and engine-like interactions; it supports solo play (1 player) and is suitable from age 12. With a duration of about 150 minutes it requires time and patience; prior experience with rondel or mancala-style systems helps.
How It Works
The core combines Mancala within interconnected rondel modules on a modular board. Players play and reuse Multi-Use Cards, activate public or society leaders, and conduct clandestine actions to discover relics, research secrets, and cleanse chaos. Variable Player Powers create asymmetry, while Set Collection contributes to scoring via Intrigue.
What Makes It Special
Designer Jason Brooks links Mancala and rondel movement on a modular board with Multi-Use Cards to emphasize planning across cycles. The game finishes when a society is fully upgraded, per the designer. The blend of Mancala, Rondel and Modular Board sets it apart from pure worker-placement or deckbuilding titles.
Pro
- Unique blend of Mancala and Rondel mechanics
- Asymmetry through Variable Player Powers
- Depth from Multi-Use Cards and modular board
- Includes solo mode (1 player)
Contra
- Long playtime (~150 minutes) demands commitment
- Higher complexity requires learning time
Setting & atmosphere
You command a secret society in shadowed alleys, seeking mysterious, ancient or enchanted relics and manipulating the public to advance research and influence. The setting is stated in the designer description.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on understanding the interconnected rondel-mancala movement and how Multi-Use Cards function before pursuing complex synergies.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game supports solo play (players.min = 1).
How long does a game really take?
Duration is listed as 150 minutes; allow extra time for setup and rule explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with interconnected action systems (e.g., rondel, mancala) and midweight strategy games helps.
How does this compare to similar games?
Clandestine stands out by combining Mancala inside interconnected rondels on a modular board with Multi-Use Cards and Variable Player Powers.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 12 and long duration, it's better suited to experienced family groups than younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The integration of Mancala mechanics into interconnected rondels on a modular board is the game's defining mechanic.
Fazit
Clandestine is a strategic midweight for players who like interconnected action systems and asymmetry. Its long playing time makes it less suitable for very short game nights.
Clandestine at your next game night?
Add Clandestine to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Clandestine to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
