Illuminati (Deluxe Edition)

Illuminati: Deluxe Edition is a strategic card game designed by Steve Jackson, where 2 to 6 players assume the roles of secret societies vying for global domination. Through cunning, alliances, and strategic maneuvers, players aim to control various groups and outmaneuver their opponents to achieve their unique objectives.

Game Components

• 8 Illuminati Cards: Representing different secret societies, each with unique abilities and victory conditions.
• 83 Group Cards: Depicting organizations and groups that players can control to expand their influence.
• 15 Special Cards: Providing unique events or advantages that can alter the course of the game.
• 4 Blank Cards: Allowing for customization and creation of new groups or events.
• 160 Money Tokens: Representing megabucks (MB), the currency used for various in-game actions.
• 2 Six-Sided Dice: Used to resolve actions and determine outcomes.
• Rulebook: Comprehensive guide detailing the game's rules and mechanics.

Objective

Each player leads an Illuminati group with the goal of achieving world domination. Victory can be attained by controlling a specified number of groups or by fulfilling the unique objective of their chosen Illuminati. The game is rich in negotiation, alliances, and strategic planning, with players constantly adapting to the evolving power dynamics.

Gameplay Overview

• Setup:
• Each player selects an Illuminati card and places it face-up, receiving the indicated income.
• Shuffle the remaining cards and reveal four group cards to form the initial pool of uncontrolled groups.
• Turn Sequence:
• Collect Income: Players gather income for each group they control, placing the funds on the respective cards.
• Draw a Card: Reveal the top card from the deck; if it's a group, add it to the uncontrolled area; if it's a special card, the player keeps it.
• Actions: Players can perform two actions per turn, such as attempting to control, neutralize, or destroy groups.
• Free Actions: Engage in negotiations, transfer money between groups, or use special abilities.
• End of Turn: Ensure there are at least two uncontrolled groups available by drawing additional cards if necessary.
• Attacks:
• To Control: Attempt to bring a group under your influence by comparing your power against the group's resistance, modified by dice rolls and potential interference from other players.
• To Neutralize or Destroy: Weaken opponents by removing groups from their power structure or eliminating them entirely.
• Winning the Game: Achieve the control of a predetermined number of groups or fulfill the special goal of your Illuminati faction.

Features

• Strategic Depth: Offers a blend of direct confrontation and subtle manipulation, requiring players to balance aggression with diplomacy.
• High Replayability: Diverse Illuminati factions and group cards ensure that each game unfolds differently.
• Humorous Theme: Satirical portrayal of conspiracy theories adds a layer of humor to the strategic gameplay.