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.
Medieval themed games with Hidden Victory Points
Hidden Victory Points and Stock Holding games
Hidden Victory Points games designed by Paweł Zygar
Bedeville Carnival (Collector's Box)
-18%
$78.95
$65.00
Welcome to Bedeville Carnival, a place where death is not the end, but the beginning of endless nighttime amusement.When the sun goes down, the lights go on and the dead rise up! But they don’t crave brains. Only fun!They awaken from their graves for...
mixed, 57%
12 y/o +
2 to 4 players
45 minutes
Relaxed
Fantasy
Horror
Action / Event
End Game Bonuses
Hidden Victory Points
Modular Board
Abstract Game with Hidden Victory Points
Hidden Victory Points and Hand Management games
Hidden Victory Points games illustrated by Julia Williamson
Oceans is a stand-alone game in the award-winning Evolution series. Enter a vast, underwater cosmos: a mysterious interconnected world of sharp teeth, glowing eyes, and black ink, where your survival depends on your ability to adapt to the unknown.The...
Oceans
$54.99
$35.00
Includes:Legends of the Deep Expansion Solo Expansion Kickstarter Promos Custom GameTrayz Insert Storage BoxPlease note: This includes expansion content only! Base game is NOT included.Includes two new expansions in a Legendary Edition box with custom...
Oceans - Legendary Edition Upgrade Kit (Kickstarter Edition)
$0.00
Hidden Victory Points games published by Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Hidden Victory Points and Pattern Building games
Hidden Victory Points and Tableau Building games
Hidden Victory Points and Ownership games
In Florenza, the players are the heads of the most powerful families in Florenza during the Renaissance period. The goal of the game is to become the most famous patron of the arts by hiring the most famous artists of the period and financing their ...
Florenza (X Anniversary)
$60.00
Travel back to the second half of the 1th Century where a series of inventions is about to change where and how people live, work, travel and communicate. Your role is to lead humanity's charge into a bright new future. Age of Inventors combines Worker...
Age of Inventors (Kickstarter Deluxe Edition)
$0.00
Fighting themed games with Hidden Victory Points
Hidden Victory Points and Betting games
Hidden Victory Points games published by Don't Panic Games
Picture Perfect
-30%
$44.99
$31.49
What a party! Now we want to capture this moment forever. In order to make the picture perfect, everyone has to be as happy as possible!Arrange the guests to the best of your ability to make them happy. Their wishes are not always easy to fulfill. Some...
mostly positive, 70%
10 y/o +
2 to 4 players
45 minutes
Relaxed
Family Game
Puzzle
Photography
Negotiation
Auction/Bidding
Deduction
Hidden Victory Points
Hidden Victory Points games published by Origames
Hidden Victory Points and Variable Player Powers games
What is Stationfall? Well, imagine a dozen or so random humans, robots, and none-of-the-aboves, each with their own abilities, goals, and secret relationships, have been turned loose on a space station that is going to be incinerated upon its inevitable...
Stationfall
$99.00
$74.99
What if the animals were the ones who ran the zoo?Presumably, this wild government would be built upon the support of fellow creatures and fueled by the fame, attention, and prestige of wide-eyed visitors. Naturally, the most aspirational beasts would...
Zoo Vadis (Standard Edition)
$50.00
$40.00
Hidden Victory Points games published by Osprey Publishing
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell: A Board Game of English Magic
-79%
$70.03
$15.00
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...
mixed, 51%
14 y/o +
2 to 4 players
60 minutes
Involved
Strategy Game
Novel-based
Hidden Victory Points
Multi-Use Cards
Point to Point Movement
Variable Player Powers
