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Game Info
Year
2024
Collection
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Description
"The Battle of Versailles" was a fashion show held in 1973 in Versailles, France that pitted five American designers against five French designers. The American designers, including Anne Klein, Halston, Oscar de la Renta, Stephen Burrows, and Bill Blass, were considered to be more innovative and less traditional than the French designers: Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Emanuel Ungaro, Pierre Cardin, and Christian Dior. The American designers ended up winning the competition and solidifying their place in the fashion world. The event was widely covered in the media, and is considered a turning point in the history of fashion.
In the game The Battle of Versailles, players take the role of either the France or U.S. team, facing one another by playing action cards to show off their best dresses, to attract the most popular celebrities, or to annoy the opponent by spreading bad gossip. They also compete to contribute more than their opponent to the reconstruction of the palace of Versailles.
The French player has five actions per round, representing the classic but overly-long show (2h 30min) that it put on, while the American player has only three actions per round as their show was fresh, innovative, and short (only 37min). Correspondingly, the game has different victory conditions:
The French team tries to keep its prestige in the fashion industry, while the American team tries to steal the French prestige.
Both teams fight to control the most influential celebrities in the fashion world.
The Americans try to show off the best innovative features on their dresses.
The French try to contribute as much as possible to the reconstruction of Versailles in order to raise their national pride in this beautiful palace.
—description from publisher
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 8
This page: 8
Sentiment:
pos 8 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–8 of 8
Video ntLUKnWW2sU
Watch It Played News at 7:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88954 · mention_pk 235539
Click to watch at 7:48 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Caught my eye because of the designers of Zoom in Barcelona and Lacrimosa.
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Pitting modernity against tradition in the board game world.
- Fashion show
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card Play — By playing action cards to show off their best dresses to attract the most popular celebrities or to annoy the opponents by spreading gossip.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Sequels, prequels, and total recalls.
- Another unrelated guy. Nothing confusing about that.
- I think a lot of people are excited about this one.
- Follow the link in this video's description to find out more and back it before your campfire fades into darkness.
- I really do love Baseball Highlights. I like how the series condenses things to the action.
- This is a must play for me so I'm excited for its release this year.
- I've officially become a big fan of IV games recently.
- I really like their games a lot.
- I'm 100 in on Fractured Sky when it goes to Kickstarter in April.
- So I'll say announcement but it was definitely a sell sheet from a Game Wright catalog that was unveiled prematurely.
- I'll change that to survive. You might later this year when it's released.
- Any version is good in my books and it is a classic for a reason.
- It's a masterpiece of board game design that was so far ahead of its time that even today it feels fresh and new.
- Turns out The Battle of Versailles isn't a war game. It was a fashion show held in 1973.
- What caught my eye is that this is from the designers of Zoom in Barcelona and Lacrimosa so I'm immediately interested.
- This looks pretty cool to me and I'm sure it's even more exciting to those who enjoy the video games.
- No no no no no no no not doing no I'm not doing that no.
- My biggest fear is letting something called the o'neary shunt enter my brain.
- And if you want to see evil artificial intelligence take complete control you can head over to this month's on the radar episode.
- Did I say evil? I'm sorry, not evil, I meant misunderstood. Yeah, totally misunderstood.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _N3jJMD072s
Getting Games Discussion at 34:01 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88905 · mention_pk 235289
Click to watch at 34:01 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fascinating historical/performative theme; asymmetry in actions
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- asymmetry in two-player competition; US vs France
- fashion show, Versailles 1973
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric actions and multi-victory conditions — French player has five actions per round; American has three; multiple victory conditions with shifting incentives
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm incredibly biased and I'm not going to sit here and tell you to back the Kickstarter campaign for this one
- I wrote the rulebooks for all these four games
- distilled two-hour 18nxx experience
- I judge games by their cover; Katamino Tower looks cool
- Clover really surprised me with how much I've enjoyed it
References (from this video)
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Video Pne02Q_D51k
kovray Top 10 List at 2:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 88019 · mention_pk 230895
Click to watch at 2:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Crunchy, fun mechanics
- Multiple paths to victory
- Strong two-player design
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- two-player confrontation with multiple victory conditions
- fashion competition between France and the US
- thematic flair around runway and fashion show
Comparison games
- Seven Wonders Duels
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card-driven with multiple win conditions — switches between strategies to achieve different victory conditions; 'Runway manipulation' mentioned as a flavor element.
- two-player focus — described as a two-player only game with asymmetric or varied victory paths.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this first game is an absolute home run
- as soon as you play this game you always want to play the other side
- I want to continue playing it again and again
- it's a spatial bidding game where you'll take turns bidding on this terrain
- planning your vacation and energy levels ... balance
References (from this video)
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Video fX-fAPggAtc
Allies or Enemies Discussion at 9:42 sentiment: positive
video_pk 87711 · mention_pk 229690
Click to watch at 9:42 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- 100% for the theme
- Theme is amazing
- Based on a real, crazy historical event
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- A competitive fashion show between French and UK designers
- Versailles, 1973
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetrical powers — French and Americans have different play styles and turn structures.
- Card Play — Playing cards to a big runway.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- ukge which is the UK's biggest board game convention and it takes place from May 31st to June 2nd and it is in Birmingham
- this is just based on the descriptions that we've read about
- Yonder and this is published by Sinister fish with the same designer who did Moon streets and villagers and we really like all three of those
- it's very different than the the trilogy that I just did
- the art looks very Whimsical because the designer also does the art as well and I really like his style
- Terminus and this is published by inside up games and these are in terminous you are competing Subway companies so you are I think building Subway routes and competing with each other to build Subway Roots
- we just like really like the underground and so anything that has that I am immediately interested
- Deep regrets and I actually did get to play a an earlier play test like prototype version of this game and it kind of mixes um cthulu and fishing together like and that what an interesting mix that is
- Shout out to an indie designer who's based right here in Edinburgh and so you always want to support those
- if there's one in particular you're looking forward to please do let us know in the comments
- on Saturday from 1:30 to 4:30 I will be play testing last week of summer in the Play Test Zone
- if you can't make it for that and you just see me around and you want to do a play Test please do ask because I will be more than happy to do that
- please let us know in the comments what new game you're most looking forward to
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CbbAMyaUHSs
Tabletop Tolson Review at 0:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 80280 · mention_pk 195146
Click to watch at 0:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Every single move matters.
- Squeezing out a win is rewarding.
- Thematic integration with mechanics.
- Beautiful cards and lovely artwork.
- Asymmetrical design with unique player decks.
- Dynamic gameplay.
- Strategic depth despite deceptive simplicity.
- Multiple paths to victory for each player.
- Fast gameplay.
- Dynamite design.
- Fun and delightful.
Cons
- America draws five cards and has to discard one, which is a disadvantage.
- France has more action card spaces than America.
- France starts with an advantage of one extra prestige.
- France breaks ties when it comes to money investments.
- French celebrities don't offer as much fame as American celebrities.
- Playing an event card means not playing a card for money or a dress.
Thematic elements
- A fashion world competition between France and America.
- The 1970s
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Players choose actions like playing cards for money, dresses, or events, with event cards being particularly powerful.
- Area Control — The fame/prestige track acts as a push and pull mechanism where players compete for dominance.
- area control / influence — The fame/prestige track acts as a push and pull mechanism where players compete for dominance.
- Asymmetrical decks — Each player's deck is built differently with unique features that help them win in specific ways.
- Hand Management — Players play cards from their hand, and choices about which cards to keep or discard are crucial.
- Resource Management — Players manage 'money' (contributions) and 'prestige' as key resources.
- Set Collection — Winning conditions involve collecting a certain number of celebrities or dress symbols.
- Take That — Mentioned as a mechanism in the game, but the host contrasts it by saying 'it doesn't feel bad'.
- Tile Placement — Certain actions involve placing tiles, and these tiles can be upgraded or downgraded.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is the most cutthroat game I have played in a long time.
- to squeak out a win in this game is probably the most rewarding feeling there is.
- It's like you've got a finish line, and France is starting way closer to the finish line, and they make small steps to get to the finish line. But America's making large leaps.
- The choice that you have every single turn, every single action is crucial, is vital, is insanely tough.
- This game is just delicious. It is delightful. It is fun. dynamite dynamite design here.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cTIaiUJwxcY
Discussion at 3:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 67321 · mention_pk 163286
Click to watch at 3:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong two-player duel with vivid theme
- Engaging fashion/build-up and scoring tension
Cons
- Two-player only
- Complex for casual players seeking lighter fare
Thematic elements
- fashion, design, historical competition
- a historical fashion showdown at the Palace of Versailles
- two-player competitive with a strong historical framing
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hand/resource management — players deploy fashion influences and outfits to score points
- interference options — actions that can curb opponent scoring or remove points from them
- Resource Management — players deploy fashion influences and outfits to score points
- set collection / engine-like scoring — points accrue through outfits and influence cards
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It is a really fun, complex, thinky game in a small box that is great for one player.
- This is based on two actual diva opera singers. And it is very thematic in the way that you play.
- It's a tug-of-war game.
- So that you can be the diva who reigns supreme.
- You literally have a model going down the runway.
- You're crafting dresses and outfits and looks and they're all going to score for you in different ways.
- The Voynich manuscript has never been translated.
- This is a one to four player game based on the Voynich manuscript.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video h4z5291pldM
Board Gaming Ramblings Two Player Game Reviews at 16:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 43037 · mention_pk 230979
Click to watch at 16:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Extremely thematic and visually engaging
- Strong pacing with fast turns and meaningful choices
- High variability and replayability; multiple routes to victory
Cons
- Theme might feel niche to players not into fashion history
- Some card interactions can be opaque without deeper familiarity
Thematic elements
- Fashion, celebrity culture, and high society intersect with competition and spectacle; design choices reflect opulence and critique of the era.
- A historically themed fashion showcase set against the backdrop of the Versailles era, pitting two fashion houses or sides in a stylistic duel.
- Highly thematic and cinematic; players feel immersed in a fashion–forward world where each card represents a garment, event, or endorsement.
Comparison games
- Sky Team
- Oran's Duel
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card‑driven scoring — Cards represent clothing items, events, or influence actions that push the score in various ways; players balance multiple scoring tracks.
- Compound Scoring — Cards represent clothing items, events, or influence actions that push the score in various ways; players balance multiple scoring tracks.
- Hidden Victory Points — Victory can be achieved through different card synergies or strategic plays; there isn't a single path to success, which broadens strategic avenues.
- Multiple victory conditions — Victory can be achieved through different card synergies or strategic plays; there isn't a single path to success, which broadens strategic avenues.
- Real-Time — Designed for quick rounds with high replayability; the game thrives on rapid decision cycles and quick feedback.
- Short, intense play sessions — Designed for quick rounds with high replayability; the game thrives on rapid decision cycles and quick feedback.
- Two‑player emphasis with variable pacing — While the game scales to more players, the two‑player flow emphasizes direct competition and rapid tempo swings.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Sky Team is a great game.
- There are so many different things you can do.
- The game is all about communication without communication.
- I love the theme and that it's not super thematic that you cannot talk to each other while you're trying to land.
- This is a very classical abstract — Teo warar feeling.
- The aggression is the best defense or attack.
- Cooperative trick-taking and that I have only seen done one other time.
- Depth here.
- It's a trick taking game but it doesn't feel like a trick taking game.
- It's quick it's like 20 to 30 minutes.
- It's just so thematic and it's so clever.
- This is a very classical abstract game with a Teo‑warar vibe.
- Depth here is real; you feel the pressure of making the right call at the right time.
- I would rather play this with a small group than much longer, heavier stuff because it fits a two‑player moment perfectly.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video z-4McmOFqik
Beyond Solitaire Interview at 33:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9867 · mention_pk 29056
Click to watch at 33:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- story-driven with strong theme
- emerges from a documented historical moment
Cons
- niche subject may limit mainstream appeal
Thematic elements
- fashion industry competition and media dynamics
- Versailles fashion week, 1973 era
- journalistic / documentary
Comparison games
- Watergate
- Queen of Spice
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card-driven / event sequencing — drives narrative events and player decisions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Resist was the game changer for us.
- Conventions are key for promotion.
- Queen of Spice is the next one.
- Watergate was a bigger box and it was a fantastic game.
- I would love to do a game of Alcatraz, escape from Alcatraz.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–8 of 8