83

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.

83

The Verdict

based on 11 reviews

Positive 0%
Negative 0%
Generates strong emergent narratives and unique player stories.
Deep and engaging player interaction, negotiation, and shifting alliances.
Thoughtful and critical exploration of the British East India Company's history.
Ambitious and distinctive game design.
High-quality production enhances immersion.
Very steep learning curve and high complexity.
Can have long playtimes, including extensive setup and teardown.
Random events and dice rolls can frustrate strategic plans.
Theme of colonialism can be uncomfortable or problematic for some.
Poorly written official rulebook.
95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board of it, TallyVideo

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.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Space-Biff!, Dan ThurotArticle

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.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Talking Shelf SpaceArticle

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.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Zatu GamesArticle

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.

90
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Frontline Gaming, SamArticle

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.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Player EliminationArticle

This was among the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Love 2 Hate, Jeremy and Lance (Love 2 Hate / Hard 2 Master)Video

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.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Shut Up & Sit Down, TomVideo

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.

80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game Critique, Board Game CritiqueVideo

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.

80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
ThinkerThemer, Amy and Maggie (ThinkerThemer)ArticleTop List

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.

See list
40
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Shelfside, ShelfsideVideo

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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