Vindication
- Designer Marc Neidlinger
- Publisher Orange Nebula, LLC , Lucky Duck Games
- Illustration Brett Carville , Emiliano Cordoba , Bartek Fedyczak , Noemi Konkoly , Phu Thieu
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Vindication, you are a stranded hero on a hostile island, managing resources, controlling areas, and selecting freeform actions to grow your party, gather relics, and defeat monsters. Each turn allows three actions like activating companions, traveling, or interacting with map tiles. The modular hex grid board changes every game, while over 72 unique card abilities enable powerful combinations.
Who Is This Game For?
Vindication targets experienced gamers aged 14 and up who enjoy complex strategy games with longer playtimes. With about 150 minutes per game, it requires patience and focus for engine-building and tactical planning. It is less suited for families due to its complexity and length.
How It Works
The game features mechanics such as Area Majority / Influence, Dice Rolling, and End Game Bonuses. Players take three actions per turn, including activating companions, traveling, or placing tiles. Influence is used to combine attributes in a unique heroic alchemy system to gain powerful rewards. The modular hex board grows each game through map addition for variety.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Marc Neidlinger, Vindication combines tableau building and area control. It won the 2018 Board Game Quest Award for Best Game from a Small Publisher and received several nominations. Its modular board and complex hero attribute system set it apart from other fantasy exploration games.
Awards
- 2018 Board Game Quest Awards Best Game from a Small Publisher — Winner
- 2018 Board Game Quest Awards Best Production Values — Nominated
- 2018 Cardboard Republic Daredevil Laurel — Nominated
Pro
- High strategic depth with Area Majority and Tableau Building
- Modular hex grid board ensures variety
- Over 72 unique card abilities allow diverse combinations
- Winner of Board Game Quest Award 2018 for Best Game from a Small Publisher
Contra
- Long playtime around 150 minutes demands patience
- High complexity makes it unsuitable for beginners
- Recommended age of 14+ limits family play with younger children
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a hostile fantasy island filled with ruins, Vindication casts you as a stranded hero seeking to regain honor through exploration and survival.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand core mechanics like influence and attribute alchemy, focusing first on basic engine-building strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Vindication supports 2 to 5 players and does not have a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Games last about 150 minutes, making it an extended play session.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is complex and aimed at experienced players familiar with strategic board games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Vindication uniquely blends tableau building, area majority, and a modular hex board for distinctive strategies and variety.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and age recommendation of 14+, it is less suitable for families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The heroic attribute alchemy system combining influence and end game bonuses is a standout feature.
Fazit
Vindication is a complex strategy game well suited for experienced players seeking long, tactical sessions with high replayability. It's less ideal for casual gamers or families.
