Have you ever wanted to explore the delicate balance between capitalists, the middle class, the proletariat and the state? Then Hegemony might be the game for you! Created by Vangelis Bagiartakis and Varnavas Timotheou, this competitive and asymmetric eurogame throws you into the heart of an economic and political system, where every decision can change the fate of the game... and the system itself.

Funded thanks to a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, with over 600,000 euros raised from more than ten thousand supporters, Hegemony is much more than a simple board game. It is a deep simulation, an experience for those who love complex and immersive games. Personally, despite having reduced the purchase of eurogames due to a certain repetitiveness of ideas in recent years, I could not resist the charm of a title that promised something different and unique.

Game dynamics

Imagine yourself as one of the four main factions: the Capitalist, the Middle Class, the Proletariat, or the State. Each has its own specific goal, but none can act completely autonomously: the system is interdependent, and what you do inevitably affects the others.

The game is played over 5 rounds, each one marked by main actions and strategic choices, followed by an administrative phase where goods are produced, salaries and taxes are paid, and laws are changed. It is precisely this legislative phase that gives the game that special touch: collective decisions can overturn the balance and completely change the economic landscape.

The beauty is that each faction has its own style of play. The Proletariat, for example, seeks to secure wages and rights to purchase goods and services; the Capitalist aims to maximize profit; the Middle Class must balance production and consumption; while the State has the difficult task of maintaining the balance between the factions, satisfying the political agendas of the moment.

An immersive experience

Hegemony is not a game that can be explained in five minutes: it takes time to learn all the rules and master them, and the first game is almost always a tutorial. Full games can last up to 4 hours, but time flies as you negotiate laws, plan strategies and try to anticipate your opponents' moves.

The setting is incredibly well-crafted, thanks also to an informative booklet that explains the economic and political principles underlying the game. And as you play, you realize how every decision has a real weight: increasing taxes to finance public healthcare can bring benefits to the Proletariat, but it could close industries and increase unemployment. Everything is connected, and this makes every choice incredibly significant.

Materials and components

Aesthetically, the game is a joy to behold. The materials are high quality, from the sturdy cards to the canvas-backed help sheets. However, be prepared to take up a fair amount of space on the table, because between boards, tokens, and cards, the clutter is considerable.

Why try it?

If you are a fan of eurogames and are looking for both a strategic and intellectual challenge, Hegemony is a must. Sure, it's not a light game, but the depth of the mechanics and the originality of the setting make it one of a kind.

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🎯 What are you waiting for? Prepare your gaming group and find out who among you can master the system!