Chronicle

Kanai Factory, F2Z Digital Media Inc., Filosofia Éditions · Board game · 2009
3–6 · best 4 30 min Weight 2.0/5
6.1 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Buy
6.1 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy card games with a unique twist and love a good dose of direct interaction, *Chronicle* is a solid bet for your game nights!

Highlights
  • Trick-taking with twists
  • Fun direct interaction
  • Unique character abilities
  • High replayability
  • Simple rules, strategic depth
Keep in mind
  • Can be chaotic with 5-6 players
  • Initial card learning curve
  • Take that element might not suit everyone
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready to etch your name into history with *Chronicle*, an unconventional trick-taking card game where the unique abilities of historical figures intertwine in every round. Released in 2009 by Kanai Factory, this title challenges 3 to 6 players to cleverly use their powers to influence events and leave an indelible mark. Who will master the art of manipulating occurrences and secure their place in The Chronicle?

At the heart of *Chronicle*, the trick-taking mechanic is presented in a very peculiar way, with a touch of action retrieval and set collection. Each player assumes the role of a historical figure with distinct abilities, and the goal is to use these capacities to win tricks and collect cards that form valuable sets. But be warned, as the game also features 'take that' elements, allowing you to directly interfere with your opponents' plans, adding an extra layer of strategy and interaction.

Designer Seiji Kanai, for beginners, suggests playing with 3 or 4 people for a more controllable experience, as with 5 or 6, chaos and unpredictability increase (which can be great for veterans!). He also recommends removing some more complex History cards, such as 'Dark Age', 'Coronation', and 'Meeting with a Dragon', until everyone is familiar with their effects. To spice things up even more, an optional rule allows two History cards to be revealed per round, with their rewards being resolved independently, which can completely change the game's dynamic. With minimal text on the cards, the language barrier is practically nonexistent, making it accessible to anyone looking for a strategic and fun card game.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK
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Game details

Categories

Publisher Kanai Factory, F2Z Digital Media Inc., Filosofia Éditions, Japon Brand, Primigenio, Z-Man Games
Designer Seiji Kanai
Artist Chema Vicente, Noboru Sugiura
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal in Chronicle?
The main goal is to use your historical characters' abilities to win tricks, collect sets of cards, and thus leave your name in The Chronicle, meaning accumulating the most honor points by the end of the game.
How many players can participate and what is the playing time?
Chronicle can be played by 3 to 6 players. The playing time is quite quick, usually between 30 and 30 minutes, which makes it great for multiple plays or filling gaps in your game night.
Is it a complex game to learn?
Not really! With a BGG weight of 1.96/5, it's considered light-medium. The basic rules are straightforward, but the interaction of card abilities and the irregular trick-taking mechanic add a layer of strategy that you'll grasp with practice. The designer even suggests some cards to remove for beginners.
What are the main components of the game?
The game is essentially a card game, so you'll have a deck of historical character cards and event/history cards that dictate the conditions of each round and the honor points.
Who is Chronicle recommended for?
It's perfect for those who enjoy card games with trick-taking mechanics but are looking for something with more interaction and a touch of 'take that'. If you like fast-paced games with varied abilities and a hint of set collection strategy, you'll have a lot of fun!
Is there any language dependency on the cards?
Practically none! The game has very little text on the cards, and what little there is is easily memorized or represented by icons, making it very accessible to players of any language.