Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
A clever and thematic trick-taking game for those who love bluffing and manipulating fate.
Highlights
- Very clever trick-taking mechanics
- Engaging and fun historical theme
- Balanced and dynamic gameplay
- Beautiful gem components
Keep in mind
- Requires constant rule attention
- Can be challenging for newcomers
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you think Renaissance Italian politics was complicated, get ready to dive into the intrigues of Indulgence! Inspired by the idea that faith can be negotiated, this game places you at the heart of an era of conspiracies, where the path to salvation might be paved with a healthy dose of mischief. Instead of just praying, here you can simply buy your clean conscience through a strategic 'contribution.'
This is a trick-taking game for 3 to 4 players that requires much more than just knowing how to play cards. The dynamic is brilliant: on each turn, a player dictates an edict—a rule that everyone must follow. The twist? Other players can decide to disobey the edict and do the exact opposite of what was commanded. If the edict says 'don't take the Medicis,' chaos ensues when someone decides they must take all of them! Committing this 'in' can be risky, but if you manage to snag an Indulgence token, you can turn your hand into a guaranteed win.
This version is a modern revitalization of the classic Dragonmaster (1981), offering a much better gameplay balance. The original suffered from a 'runaway leader' problem that could knock a player out of contention too early, but here, the indulgence system and the increased number of contracts (now 20!) ensure everyone has a fighting chance. Featuring elegant art and components including gems for scoring, Indulgence is a game of bluffing, strategy, and a little bit of historical hypocrisy for your next game night. Can you trick your friends into sinning while keeping your soul (and your hand) intact? Find out!
This is a trick-taking game for 3 to 4 players that requires much more than just knowing how to play cards. The dynamic is brilliant: on each turn, a player dictates an edict—a rule that everyone must follow. The twist? Other players can decide to disobey the edict and do the exact opposite of what was commanded. If the edict says 'don't take the Medicis,' chaos ensues when someone decides they must take all of them! Committing this 'in' can be risky, but if you manage to snag an Indulgence token, you can turn your hand into a guaranteed win.
This version is a modern revitalization of the classic Dragonmaster (1981), offering a much better gameplay balance. The original suffered from a 'runaway leader' problem that could knock a player out of contention too early, but here, the indulgence system and the increased number of contracts (now 20!) ensure everyone has a fighting chance. Featuring elegant art and components including gems for scoring, Indulgence is a game of bluffing, strategy, and a little bit of historical hypocrisy for your next game night. Can you trick your friends into sinning while keeping your soul (and your hand) intact? Find out!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Restoration Games
Designer
G. W. "Jerry" D'Arcey, Justin D. Jacobson, Rob Daviau
Artist
Chelsea Harper, Jason Taylor
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players is this game for?
The game is ideally suited for 3 or 4 players, ensuring the perfect competitive dynamic.
What is the average playtime?
Games typically last between 40 and 60 minutes, making it great for a game night.
Is it a complex game?
It has a light weight (1.8/5), so it's easy to learn, but requires strategic attention to avoid 'inning' incorrectly.
What changed from the old version (Dragonmaster)?
The game was rebalanced to prevent a runaway leader, with more contracts and a new indulgence system.
What is the main objective?
To collect the most gems by winning rounds using edicts and indulgence tokens.
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