Identification of Mechanics
Hidden Victory Points are a game mechanic present in some board games where players earn points in a concealed manner. These points are typically tabulated and become known only at the end of the game, adding a level of mystery and strategic depth. Games utilizing this mechanic often involve components such as blind bidding, secret objectives, or endgame bonuses that are not immediately scored.
Psychological and Strategic Impact
This mechanic's psychological impact on players is pertinent; it alters the decision-making process and can create tension and competition. Players must surmise not only their own potential points but also estimate how well opponents are doing, leading to more thoughtful and, potentially, deceptive plays.
Game Balance
Incorporating Hidden Victory Points into a game design serves as a balancing tool. It can prevent early discouragement for players falling behind and keeps everyone's chances of winning ambiguous. By hiding the scoring, it prevents leading players from becoming runaway leaders, maintaining game balance and engagement.
Gameplay Experience
In a game using Hidden Victory Points, players can expect an intense and dynamic play experience. Each action may contribute to a victory that only materializes at the game's conclusion, keeping every player attuned and involved. As players work towards their hidden goals, they must juggle advancing their own scores while anticipating and potentially thwarting others' plans without definite knowledge of the score.
Tactical Play and Deduction
Strategic maneuvers are core to gameplay involving Hidden Victory Points. Players often engage in tactical plays to maximize their points while maintaining secrecy about their progress. The mechanic encourages a careful balance of overt action and subtle positioning, requiring players to constantly assess and readjust their approach in response to the unfolding game state.
Conclusion of Gameplay
At the game's finale, the reveal of Hidden Victory Points is pivotal. Players will unveil their secret achievements and tally final scores, often leading to dramatic shifts in the leaderboard. This moment is the crescendo of the game, where strategies are laid bare and the victor emerges, validating the secretive endeavors undertaken throughout the play session.
Hidden Victory Points games illustrated by Matt Paquette & Co.
Economic themed games with Hidden Victory Points
Hidden Victory Points and Action Points games
Solo / Solitaire Game with Hidden Victory Points
Humor themed games with Hidden Victory Points
Hidden Victory Points and Tile Placement games
Hidden Victory Points games published by Arclight Games
Hidden Victory Points games illustrated by Noah Adelman
Hidden Victory Points games published by Siam Board Games
In Jaipur, you are hoping to become the Maharaja’s personal trader by amassing more riches than your opponent at the end of each week. To do so, collect and exchange goods at the market, then sell them for rupees. If you manage to arrange a larger sale...
Jaipur
$22.95
Small World is a zany, light-hearted civilization game in which 2-5 players vie for conquest and control of a board that is simply too small to accommodate them all! Picking the right combination of fantasy races and unique special powers, players must...
Small World
$54.95
Card Game with Hidden Victory Points
Strategy Game with Hidden Victory Points
Welcome to the Arena of the all-powerful, where only the greatest mythological heroes fight to please the Gods. With Arena, dive into a universe in which heroes from 6 different mythos fight together for the entertainment of their Gods. Handpicked by...
Arena for the Gods!
$34.95
$14.00
Centuries have passed since the Golden Age of practical magic. Now, at last, it has returned to England.Take on the role of an aspiring magician and start your journey down the path to greatness. Collect rare books, flit between social engagements, and...
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic
$50.00
$15.00
Hidden Victory Points and Hand Management games
Hidden Victory Points and Negotiation games
Roman Empire themed games with Hidden Victory Points
Hidden Victory Points games published by Alderac Entertainment Group
Guild of Merchant Explorers, The - Queen's Special Orders Expansion
$0.00
Though most of Tigome has been explored and its trade routes reestablished, there are two remote provinces whose maps have not been updated in some time. The Queen requests all guilds visit these lands and explore new trade opportunities, noting any...
very positive, 86%
14 y/o +
1 to 4 players
45 minutes
Relaxed
Strategy Game
Adventure
Exploration
Hexagon Grid
Hidden Victory Points
Line Drawing
Multiple Maps
Hidden Victory Points games published by Hobby World
Hidden Victory Points games published by Evrikus
Vaalbara
-44%
$17.95
$10.00
The fabulous continent of Vaalbara stretches as far as the eye can see. The first step into this unexplored land will mark the beginning of a new era. Lead your clan to discover it in intense, tactical games!1. Expand you domain by taking the initiative...
mostly positive, 74%
10 y/o +
2 to 5 players
20 minutes
Light
Card Game
Political
Prehistoric
Hand Management
Hidden Victory Points
Open Drafting
Set Collection
Hidden Victory Points games illustrated by Jamil Isimov
Portals
-33%
$45.00
$30.00
In a time long ago, the great wizard Dominick Dey revealed a way to travel between worlds. He unlocked the secret of how to open portals using elemental magic: air, earth, fire, water, and time. Dominick visited the most incredible corners of the Universe...
mixed, 59%
10 y/o +
1 to 4 players
40 minutes
Relaxed
Abstract Game
Fantasy
Puzzle
Hidden Victory Points
Open Drafting
Pattern Building
Set Collection
