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Intrigue

Intrigue

3-5
Players
45
Minutes
14+
Age
1994
Published

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What to Expect

In Intrigue, players take on the roles of Renaissance families competing for positions in each other's businesses through bribery and negotiation. Players offer bribes but are under no obligation to honor promises, creating a cutthroat atmosphere. The gameplay involves bidding, hand management, and area influence to gain control and power.

Who Is This Game For?

Designed for 3 to 5 players aged 14 and up, Intrigue is a medium-weight game lasting about 45 minutes. It's suited for players who enjoy negotiation and strategic influence mechanics and don't mind the sometimes ruthless player interactions. Prior experience with negotiation games is beneficial.

How It Works

Players use mechanics like Area Majority/Influence, Auction/Bidding, Bribery, Hand Management, and Negotiation to gain positions in other families' businesses. You bid and bribe to control areas and manage your hand of cards carefully. No verbal deals are binding, so trust is limited, leading to intense negotiation rounds.

Area Majority / Influence Auction / Bidding Bribery Hand Management Negotiation

What Makes It Special

Designed by Stefan Dorra, Intrigue stands out by combining negotiation, bribery, and area influence within a Renaissance setting. While it lacks formal awards, it remains a classic in negotiation games. The 2005 AMIGO edition differs slightly from the original F.X. Schmid version in components and professions. It's also implemented digitally at BrettspielWelt.

Pro

  • Engages players in intense negotiation and bribery
  • Compact playtime around 45 minutes
  • Requires tactical hand management
  • Rich Renaissance thematic setting

Contra

  • No official awards
  • Requires experience with negotiation games
  • Not ideal for younger or casual players

Setting & Atmosphäre

Set during the Renaissance, players represent families seeking power through influence across various professions. The theme focuses on nepotism and intrigue within family businesses.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus on managing your hand effectively and closely watch other players' bidding and bribery moves.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

No, Intrigue is designed for 3 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

A typical game lasts about 45 minutes, allowing for a concise play session.

What prior experience do I need?

Experience with negotiation and hand management games is helpful due to the complex player interactions.

How does this compare to similar games?

Intrigue uniquely blends negotiation, bribery, and area majority mechanics within a Renaissance theme.

Is this suitable for families?

Due to its complexity and mature themes, it is more suitable for experienced players aged 14 and up than for families with young children.

What mechanic makes it special?

The mix of negotiation, bribery, and area majority creates a distinctive gameplay experience.

Fazit

Intrigue is recommended for players seeking a strategic negotiation game with tactical depth. It is less suitable for families or casual players due to its complexity and player interaction style.