Black Orchestra

Black Orchestra is a cooperative board game that immerses players in the perilous era of World War II, focusing on the German resistance's efforts to overthrow Adolf Hitler. Designed by Philip duBarry and illustrated by Dann May and Lucas Soriano, the game accommodates 1 to 5 players aged 14 and above, with an average playtime of 90 minutes.

Gameplay Overview:

Players assume the roles of historical figures involved in the conspiracy against Hitler, collectively known as the "Black Orchestra." The objective is to plan and execute an assassination plot while avoiding detection by the Gestapo. The game progresses through seven stages, each representing a different period of World War II, introducing new challenges and opportunities.

Key Mechanics:

• Action Points: Each turn, players can perform three actions, such as moving, searching for items, or drawing cards. They may also choose to "Conspire," rolling dice to gain additional actions at the risk of attracting Gestapo attention.
• Event Cards: Drawn after each turn, these cards introduce historical events that can affect the game's state, including the movement of Hitler and his deputies, as well as the appearance of new opportunities or threats.
• Suspicion and Morale: Players must manage their suspicion levels to avoid arrest. High suspicion can lead to imprisonment, while low morale can hinder the group's efforts.

Winning the Game:

To succeed, players must collect a plot card and fulfill all necessary requirements, such as having Hitler in a specific location and possessing certain items. The active player then attempts the plot by rolling dice, aiming to achieve the required number of successes while avoiding detection.

This game offers a deep, meaningful theme with high levels of cooperation, providing a unique historical experience as players work together to change the course of history.