This Guilty Land

Hollandspiele · Board game · 2018
2 · best 2 45 min Weight 3.5/5
rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love historical debates with strategic flair, This Guilty Land will hook you.

Highlights
  • Intense political debate
  • Creative card management
  • Dynamic racing gameplay
  • Engaging historical narrative
Keep in mind
  • Requires focus on details
  • Sensitive theme handling
  • Average playtime
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
This Guilty Land throws you into a political debate that goes far beyond simple cards – it’s a frantic race for ideological control while slavery threatens every corner of America. Two players take on abstract roles: Justice, fighting for abolition, and Oppression, trying to keep the status quo. A third factor, Compromise, acts as an arbitrator that can help or hinder, always looking to preserve the old and terrible balance. The game uses an open event display where all cards are visible, and each card can be played or stored in a reserve – a supplemental hand that grows as your organizational capacity increases. This capacity rises throughout the game, influencing not only the reserve size but also the strength of actions and the minimum number of cards that enter the display. Hand management mechanics make every decision count: a mistake can be fatal and victories accumulate in racing tempo. You earn points by passing laws, forming parties, and for Justice, by increasing support for your ideal. If no one achieves instant victory, the game ends when the card deck or victory points run out, and the highest score wins – and suddenly the Civil War begins. The goal is to show that war was inevitable and necessary, but also to provide a deep, reflective experience that questions how democracies deal with moral evil. The atmosphere is tense, strategy demands focus, and at the end you feel you’ve participated in something greater than a simple card game.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Families

Country: USA Players: Two-Player Only Games Theme: African Americans
Publisher Hollandspiele
Designer Amabel Holland
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
The game is designed exclusively for two players – one against the other, representing Justice and Oppression.
How long does a game last?
Each game takes about 45 minutes, ensuring an intense experience without being exhausting.
What is the game's complexity?
The complexity is medium to high; it requires attention to detail, card management, and action timing.
What components does the game include?
Event cards, card display, card reserve, victory tokens, organizational capacity markers, and scoring components.
Who is the game aimed at?
Ideal for those who enjoy history, politics, strategic debates, and appreciate games that handle sensitive themes with respect.
Does the game address sensitive topics?
Yes, it tackles slavery with care, avoiding graphic representation of human horrors, focusing on the structure that allowed the evil to exist.
Is there a solo mode?
No, the game is designed for two players, but can be played cooperatively with alternating roles.