I've spent a while developing an engine building game, but haven't any idea on a theme that fits.
In the game players pass two action cards to an opponent. Then the opponent chooses one of those actions to activate for everyone.
I could certainly use a normal city building euro theme, but am trying to avoid getting lost in the noise of common themes.
Any suggestions where to find a list of inspiring themes?
Thanks.
Hi, first thing that comes to mind: the players are artists, and each one gets a Commission (like a request for a specific Painting / Sculpture) from a Patron.
When you create that piece of art, something happens to everyone.
(for example: if you "paint" the Monna Lisa, everyone has a scoring round...)
I do not know how your game works, so see if this fits in!
How about government? The senate and congress player who decides action is executive. Without knowing more that's all I have.
The government came to mind for me too. Maybe a bizarre fictional government, since I imagine the one that has to choose between cards shifts throughout the game.
Maybe tribe leaders. Having one player make a decision for the rest feels very much like some kind of leadership/law maker theme.
Haha! You pulled a Knizia! :D
Seriously though... To avoid typical themes, why not try a creative idea generator? Something like this might work, triggering an unconventional idea that works with your mechanics.
So, basically, it is a board game mechanic tailored fit for the Saw movies.
Maybe something like the players each acting as community leaders in a rural Ukranian village during the Holodomor. Each player is trying to further his own interests while saving as many of his own followers from the genocide. A player must select one of the two awful choices in a way that benefits his own demographic while starving out opposing factions to free up and control future resources.
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