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Illuminati is a strategic card game from Steve Jackson games; famous for their 'Munchkin' series of games. Illuminati is much in the same vein, with fairly light-hearted humour and a concept bordering on the bizarre; a jokey take of conspiracy theories. The box includes everything you need to play; and the game is possible for 2-8 players (but definitely recommended for 4-6).
The rules are rather complex, but once you have played a few turns everything becomes clear. The fact that the rule-book is divided into 'Basic', 'Advanced', and 'Tactics' makes reading the rules quite easy, and looking up a specific rule quick, and, if you flip it round, all the most commonly needed information is provided on a single reference page at the back which can be placed into the table centre for all to see.
The game is very strategic; perhaps more so then Munchkin, with complex tactics being possible (and necessary) for victory. The 'tactics' section of the rules gives even novices a fair chance, however, by explaining the best routs to victory for the various groups, all of whom have potentially different ways of winning. There are even tips on dealing with (and double-dealing with), threatening, and even bribing, the other players; all of which are encouraged by the rules. Also included is a tiny bit of info on the groups (explaining what real-world supposed conspiracies they represent), and how best to oppose other groups, which equips you with all the info you need to play.
The only minor problem is that the money, a vital part of the game, is provided as pre-cut cardboard. Whilst sturdy, and definitely usable, there is slightly too few, especially of the low denominations, for long games. But, provided you are sensible and always switch for higher denominations, this isn’t often too bad. The cardboard is thick enough to be usable and durable, so this isn't a problem.
The variety of 'group' and 'special' cards (with over 100 included) means that no game will ever go the same twice, ensuring replayability. The addition of one, or all, of the expansions is worth it if you enjoy the game, but by no means required. With them, there are hundreds of cards, all told, and so you can be practically guaranteed to not even get many of the same groups in different games, let alone the same order.
All in all, Illuminati provides an interesting game, which is both lighthearted in tone, but serious in depth and tactics. A definate reccomend if you have a regular group who are up for 1-4 hours of back-stabbing ruthlesness, and some of the strangest sentances ever spoken in the english language. ('The Servants of Cthulu, supported by OPEC and the Lawyers, are trying to destroy Christmas!')
Rating: 9.8
Reviewed by:
ted.swalwell
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