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Black Orchestra 2nd Print
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Description
Black Orchestra 2nd Print
Black Orchestra plays out during one of the most famous wars in history. As Hitler’s power grows, his own men plan his assassination. Bid your time, build your strength and strike at the perfect time to change history.
Each player will play as a historic figure actually involved in the conspiracy. Players will use their turns to take up to three actions, moving around Germany, searching for key items and drawing cards. But conspiring comes with a cost and the more risks you take the more suspicious you will become to the Gestapo, who make routine sweeps and will arrest and interrogate those who seem out of place.
Event cards take players through actually events during WWII in rough chronological order. The way the board opens up and closes depending on the actually history. Players must work together to fulfil a plot card by having items and getting Hitler to a certain space or taking advantage of him being there. There are a number of plot cards in the game to give players options.
Controlling the amount of military support Hitler has will be important. The more military support he has the harder he will be to kill.
Cool heads will prevail but often individual players will need to make reckless moves and push their luck to keep the conspiracy alive. Too calm and you may miss your opportunity, too brash and you will all be arrested before getting anyway.
Get arrested and interrogation may lead to players ratting out their own team mates or other hideous choices. Luck, planning, bravery and cunning might just be enough for you to succeed!
Player count: 1-5
Time: 90 minutes
Age rating: 14+
Black Orchestra is a co-op game where you have to kill Hitler. Working as a team, following the course of events of history, you, as defected supporters of the Nazi party, leave Berlin, visiting other locations, discovering files, poison and signatures to take down Hitler and his allies.
Components and Variables
To start with, we have the Black Orchestra map. This contains the locations of the enemy and the antagonists that you and your comrades can visit throughout the game… Sober times as you see death camps listed. Firstly, take the files and place them face down over each of the locations (according to the instructions). There are placed randomly so every game is different.
Shuffle (again making every game different) the event cards by event number (stacks 1-7) and remove two from each stack – thus ensuring that you’re not being able to predict what would definitely happen each time you play.
The enemy – Hitler and his deputies (I’m listing this before characters as the first thing you do on your turn is see if the enemy is at your location, is they are, you carry out the penalty, such as lowering motivation).
You can then carry out three actions (the same one on multiple turns is generally allowed). The actions within Black Orchestra include; moving, revealing items, taking items, swapping items, taking cards (cards are mostly free to use), conspiring and attempting a plot.
Next, you draw an event. For example, Neville Chamberlin visits Hitler is an event, and as such certain members of the enemy move to the location where they meet Hitler, so whilst you could move to an enemy location, don’t be there at the start of your turn!
We picked our characters at random as there is only one ability which makes each one unique, which might seem weak, but like Pandemic, is effective ,and in some respect, it aligns other players. The special ability is only unlocked when your motivation is high enough, and as the abilities are decent enough to utilise. For example, looking at the next set of plot cards and selecting one. This streamlines actions and reduces any analysis paralysis (and lets others be aware of what they can do, before their turn, if they are motivated enough!).
During your turn you can (and should) collect cards. These can be plots (which may require files, or cards similar to non-Action cards in Pandemic) which might let you move anywhere on the map. The cards you collect are limited to two on standard motivation, but improve as your motivation increases (hand limit lowers if your motivation lowers).
The best cards are “illegal.” If there is a Gestapo raid (there isn’t in the first event deck), you must up your Suspicion if you wish to keep a card, or you’ll lose the card. If your suspicion reaches Extreme and you (still) have an illegal card, you go to prison. If all of you are in prison, you lose. Hence why it’s risky to stockpile such cards, and is one of the reasons why Black Orchestra is wonderfully, thematically tense.
Lastly, characters are allowed to carry three files (four in a two-player game). Files could be poison, a signature, explosives and keys amongst other items (discover them!). To make a plot attempt, you need to be at the same location as Hitler, he needs to be at a fortified location, and you need to work out if the success (of rolling dice) is greater than his military support.
Plots have optional elements to them (which I would say are essential to being successful). They increase requiring a certain file type and for each number of that file type, they give you an extra D6, i.e. one D6 for the plot card, another two for two poison, if poison was the required item, and being a certain type of character, for example, ex-deputy. Thus, trading, collaboration and discussion is needed to make sure the plot is going to be carried out by the right person. (You might also have cards which provide re-rolls).
The dice in Black Orchestra are D6s, with each a one, two, three, eagle or two target faces. You roll and need to have more targets than eagles. On easy, Hitler has a military support of two, throughout the game, it can increase and decrease (but not drop below two, on medium and hard, the lower cap is three and four)
(It turned out when we made our first attempt, I rolled five targets and we won!)
Theme and Gameplay
The game, like the characters you play (and you), are wary and sceptical of the enemy as they know if, through rallies (amongst other events), they can move locations. If you start, when they are at the beginning of your turn, you will suffer a penalty, such as lower motivation. Lower motivation reduces your abilities, such as attempting a plot.
We played as a three, which I heard was recommended. What is great in this game, is an event on one person’s turn frequently adjusts motivation and suspicion for everyone, so everyone is involved which negates down time (an issue in games with many players).
This is like a co-op version of Fury of Dracula. The real world nature and path of the years is immersive, thrilling, and racks the nerves.
We really enjoyed it. Seeing the events occur (some will be familiar from history, both in text books and other factual sources). Similarly, the enemy and the resistance can only move in certain areas and both expand their reach/location as history progresses (which constantly means they are ever present and could be at your location).
The artwork and detail is great, the variables in the game are streamlined, the fun and engagement factor is strong, the many different characters, possibilities of events and locations of files open variety. This game, which I think many co-ops have to their advantage, is one where you play the game more frequently due to the varied combined mechanisms.
Black Orchestra Conclusion
Black Orchestra is a great co-op game with a deep, meaningful theme, high levels of co-operation (more than say Forbidden Island or Desert I felt), continuous progress, which feels grounded due to the years/events that occur.
Once you have won (apparently it is rare to win on your first attempt, you may not be interested in attempting to “kill” again. However, it has varying difficulties, differing roles to play, orders of events (within reason) and the general fun of knowing you had unsuspecting deputies of the enemy at any moment appear at your location, bringing down your strength.
A worthy pick up and great opportunity to, for a few hours be a part of history.
Black Orchestra is a cooperative board game that immerses players in the dark era of World War II, specifically focusing on the efforts of the German resistance to overthrow Adolf Hitler. The game’s title, “Black Orchestra,” refers to the real historical name given to a group within the German military and government who conspired to assassinate Hitler. Designed for 1 to 5 players, the game allows participants to take on the roles of these actual historical figures, each with their unique abilities, as they work together to plan and execute a plot to eliminate the Führer.
Historical Backdrop
The game is set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, starting from the early years of Hitler’s rise to power in the 1930s, through World War II, to the fall of the Third Reich. This period is meticulously represented in the game, both through the artwork and the event cards, which are based on actual historical events, decisions, and dilemmas faced by the German resistance. The setting not only serves to create a tense and thematic atmosphere but also aims to educate players about this critical period in history.
Key Mechanics
Black Orchestra combines elements of strategy, teamwork, and historical education through several key mechanics:
● Plot Cards and Actions: Players collect Plot cards that represent various plans to assassinate Hitler. These plots require specific items and conditions to be successful. Throughout the game, players use their actions to move around Europe, gather items, draw cards, and perform special actions unique to their character.
● Suspicion and Morale: The game features a suspicion mechanic where players must avoid drawing too much attention to their activities, lest they be arrested by the Gestapo. Additionally, the morale track reflects the overall hope and determination of the resistance. High morale allows for more efficient actions, while low morale can severely hinder the group’s efforts.
● Event Deck and Time Pressure: The game is driven by an event deck that simulates the progression of World War II, introducing new challenges and scenarios that the players must adapt to. This mechanic adds a sense of time pressure, as players must successfully assassinate Hitler before the deck runs out, symbolizing the end of the war and the failure of their mission.
Number of Players
Black Orchestra is designed for 1 to 5 players, making it accessible for solo play as well as group play. The game scales in difficulty based on the number of players, ensuring a challenging yet manageable experience regardless of the group size. The cooperative nature of the game emphasizes teamwork and strategic planning, as players must communicate and coordinate their actions to overcome the challenges presented by the game and successfully change the course of history.
How to win
Winning Black Orchestra requires players to navigate a treacherous path filled with danger, suspicion, and shifting political landscapes. Understanding how to lose is a crucial first step in devising strategies to win. Players can lose in several ways: if all players are arrested and in prison simultaneously, if the game reaches a certain point without successfully assassinating Hitler. These losing conditions underscore the game’s balance between risk and reward, the importance of timing, and the need for careful planning and coordination among players.
Navigating Random Events
One of the core challenges in Black Orchestra is the unpredictability of random events, which can drastically alter plans or opportunities. These events simulate the uncertainty and volatile nature of conspiring against a totalitarian regime. To mitigate the impact of unfavourable events, players should:
● Stay Flexible: Maintain a flexible strategy that can adapt to changing conditions. Avoid overly committing to a single plot too early without considering alternate paths to victory.
● Prepare for Contingencies: Collect a diverse range of items and plot cards. This diversity allows players to pivot to different assassination attempts as conditions change.
● Manage Risk: Gauge when to push forward with plans and when to lay low. Sometimes, avoiding suspicion or arrest is more crucial than advancing a plot.
Hitler’s Support and Strategic Implications
The fluctuating level of Hitler’s support throughout the game reflects his changing popularity and the war’s progress. As the war advances, Hitler’s support may rise or fall, affecting the difficulty of assassination attempts. Strategic considerations include:
● Timing: Early in the game, Hitler’s support might be lower, making successful plots more probable. As the war progresses and Hitler’s support potentially increases, assassination attempts might have a lower chance of success. Players might focus on gathering resources and lowering their suspicion levels.
● Location: Hitler’s location changes. Players must strategically decide when and where to strike, balancing the plot’s requirements.
● Support Cards: Use Event and Support cards effectively to reduce Hitler’s support. These cards can create openings for assassination attempts or mitigate the game’s challenges.
Winning Strategies
To win Black Orchestra, players must:
● Communicate and Collaborate: Share resources, plan jointly, and leverage each character’s unique abilities. Coordination is key to managing resources, reducing suspicion, and executing plots.
● Optimize Actions: Every action counts. Move efficiently, plan actions to reduce travel time, and align actions with the group’s strategy.
● Stay Adaptable: Be ready to change plans based on new information, events, and opportunities. Adaptability is crucial in responding to the dynamic challenges posed by the game.
In summary, winning in Black Orchestra demands a blend of strategic planning, adaptability, and cooperation. Players must navigate the game’s inherent randomness, manage the evolving challenge of Hitler’s support, and make calculated decisions to pave their way to victory. By understanding how to lose and adapting strategies to address the game’s fluctuating conditions, players can successfully orchestrate the downfall of one of history’s most notorious tyrants.
How to teach
Despite its deep strategic gameplay and historical complexity, Black Orchestra is relatively easy to teach and learn, making it accessible to new players as well as enjoyable for seasoned board gamers. One of the game’s strengths in terms of teachability is that all the key rules are printed directly on the game board. This design choice significantly reduces the need to constantly refer to the rulebook, allowing players to quickly understand the core mechanics and focus on the strategy and story unfolding before them.
Furthermore, Black Orchestra includes some excellent player aids that summarise crucial information and game phases. These aids serve as quick reference guides, helping players keep track of their options and the game’s progression without getting overwhelmed. The inclusion of these aids, along with the intuitive design of the game board, ensures that players can easily grasp the game’s basics and dive into the experience of plotting to change the course of history. This ease of learning, coupled with the game’s engaging theme and cooperative play, makes Black Orchestra a standout choice for game nights.
Summary
In summary, Black Orchestra offers a unique blend of historical simulation, strategic gameplay, and cooperative interaction. Players are not only tasked with plotting to change the course of history but are also reminded of the courage and moral dilemmas faced by those who dared to stand against tyranny. It’s a game that not only entertains but also educates and inspires, making it a remarkable addition to the world of board games.
Zatu Score
You might like
- Exploring, collecting and discovering things for missions.
- It's a little puzzly.
- Playing through history.
Might not like
- The theme.
- The strategy, known unknowns.
- The nerves on fire!!