John Company: Second Edition is a board game where 1-6 players take on the roles of ambitious 18th-century families vying for wealth and social standing by manipulating the British East India Company. Players promise and cajole their way to the top, navigating a complex political machine of offices, favors, and shifting incentives. The game explores the rise and potential collapse of the Company under the weight of its own ambition, offering a deeply interactive and historical gaming experience.
The Verdict
based on 11 reviews
This video provides a comprehensive review of the physical board game "John Company: Second Edition," highlighting its complexities and unique gameplay experience. The reviewer considers it one of the finest board gaming experiences available.
The reviewer regards John Company: Second Edition as an essential and highly ambitious title, praising its unique long-form press-your-luck design which streamlines complex actions through dice rolls while creating thrilling moments. They note the game confronts players with the moral implications of its colonial wealth extraction theme, acknowledging potential discomfort.
The reviewer, initially wary of the game's themes, was unexpectedly drawn to John Company: Second Edition, praising its excellent production and its unique ability to spark a deep fascination with its historical subject matter, leading to repeated play.
John Company: Second Edition is a complex, initially intimidating game with some vague rules, yet it's surprisingly enjoyable and easy to teach. It offers a deep, entertaining experience through negotiations, money management, dice mechanics, and semi-cooperative play, remaining fun even during company failures.
This demanding game rewards investment with deep negotiation, emergent narratives, and thoughtful historical critique, creating unforgettable social dynamics. While complex, it's a compelling and replayable experience for players who enjoy political tension and player-driven stories.
This was among the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had.
This video offers a detailed review of 'John Company: Second Edition', delving into its theme, mechanics, and gameplay as a business simulator. The reviewers from Hard 2 Master share their comprehensive thoughts and provide their scores for the game.
This nearly 50-minute review thoroughly examines John Company: Second Edition, a complex negotiation and economic game about profiting from the British East India Company. It delves into the game's challenging themes of colonialism and its ambitious mechanics.
Board Game Critique provides an honest review of John Company: Second Edition, covering its production quality, gameplay, and various scenarios. The video explores real play experiences and a solo mode, ultimately assessing if this complex historical game is worthwhile.
This ThinkerThemer 'Back Chat' episode ranks 'John Company: Second Edition' among their top Kickstarter board games. The hosts discuss the game as part of a multi-game roundup, offering their opinions within this ranked format.
The Shelfside channel delivers a personal review and unveils a final score for the physical board game John Company: Second Edition, reflecting on its themes and gameplay after two years.
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