Versailles 1919

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Versailles 1919, from GMT Games, is a historical negotiation game that puts you in the shoes of one of the Big Four powers (England, France, Italy, or the United States) at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. The goal is to write the Treaty of Versailles, but satisfying your domestic constituents and navigating the complex international landscape makes it a delicate balancing act.

The game board represents the conference table, where you'll be vying for influence on various issues. These issues, ranging from German reparations to the fate of colonial territories, are represented by cards that players try to control with their influence cubes. Each card has unique rewards, and the player with the most influence on an issue gets to claim its benefits.

The game also features an innovative card-bidding mechanic that adds a layer of strategy and negotiation. You'll need to carefully manage your influence, making sure you have enough to secure the issues that are important to your nation's agenda.

I really enjoyed the game's historical theme and the compelling characters it brings to life. Seeing figures like Lawrence of Arabia, John M. Keynes, and W.E.B. DuBois represented in the game adds a level of immersion that makes the whole experience feel more engaging. The game's mechanics are well-designed and provide a satisfying mix of negotiation, strategy, and area control.

While the rules can be a bit daunting at first, they become clear with practice. The game has a good learning curve, but it's not overly complex. Overall, I found Versailles 1919 to be a very enjoyable and thought-provoking experience. If you enjoy historical games with deep strategy and negotiation, I highly recommend giving it a try.

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