Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic

Osprey Games · Board game · 2019
2–4 · best 2 60–80 min Weight 3.2/5
6.8 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 28.79
6.8 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Love a thematic game with character powers and cards that do it all? This one's for you!

Highlights
  • Rich and immersive theme
  • Strategic multi-use cards
  • Unique player powers
Keep in mind
  • Language dependency can be a factor
  • May seem a bit complex initially
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Magic has returned to England after centuries of slumber, but not all who practice it have good intentions. In "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic," you take on the role of an aspiring magician, embarking on a journey to become the most renowned practitioner of the arcane arts. The game invites you to explore England and Europe, collecting rare books, attending important social events, and showcasing your magical feats to impress society.

Each player chooses one of the four central characters from the acclaimed novel: Jonathan Strange, Mr. Norrell, Miss Redruth, or John Segundus. Each possesses unique abilities that will shape their experience and strategy. The challenge lies in balancing the time dedicated to magical studies with maintaining your social status, as the mysterious gentleman with the thistle-down hair has his own dark plans underway. To win, you must not only hone your skills and gain prestige but also uncover and thwart the machinations of this villain.

Featuring mechanics like multi-use cards, point-to-point movement, and hidden victory points, the game offers an engaging strategic experience. Interaction with secondary characters from the book adds flavor to the narrative, making each playthrough an immersion into the magical universe created by Susanna Clarke. Prepare for an adventure that demands planning, cunning, and a touch of magic to achieve glory.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Containers: Book-like
Publisher Osprey Games
Designer Francesco Nepitello, Marco Maggi
Artist Ian O'Toole

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

818owners
231wishlist
25want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime?
A game typically lasts between 60 and 80 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players.
Is the game very difficult to learn?
The average complexity is considered moderate (3.17/5 on BGG), suggesting it's not for absolute beginners but is accessible to those with some experience in more complex board games.
Do I need to know the book to play?
It's not mandatory, but knowing the story and characters from the novel "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" certainly enriches the experience and immersion in the game.
Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
Interaction exists, mainly through competing for objectives and the race to stop the villain, but it's not a game of constant direct confrontation.
Is this a good game for those who enjoy book-based games?
Absolutely! The theme is faithful to the novel, and the mechanics fit well within the narrative, making it a great option for fans of literary adaptations.

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