Bonaparte's Bluff
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About Bonaparte's Bluff
Bonaparte's Bluff is a two-player abstract strategy game from BoltFromTheGreen, released on September 29, 2025. It plays out on a hex-based board where each player controls a faction with a mix of units and hidden objectives. The game leans into classic strategy themes but adds a twist: players can misrepresent their moves to trick opponents into making fatal errors. It’s turn-based, with a focus on resource management and psychological warfare. Solo mode pits you against an AI that adapts to your tactics, while multiplayer matches test your ability to read human opponents. The minimalist design and sharp mechanics make it a quick but tense experience.
Gameplay
Each turn you deploy a limited number of tokens to claim board spaces, with the goal of capturing your opponent’s castles. Units have strengths and weaknesses, some can block, others can strike from a distance, but the real edge comes from bluffing. You can fake moves using decoy tokens, forcing opponents to waste turns countering false threats. The board resets slightly after each match, ensuring no two games feel the same. Multiplayer feels especially taut because players learn to anticipate each other’s tells. Controls are simple, left-click to place, right-click to cancel, but mastering the balance between aggression and deception takes time. Matches average 90 to 150 minutes, with most ending via castle capture or stalemate.
What Players Think
Community ratings on PlayPile are 87%, with critics averaging 82%. 63% of players who tried the solo campaign completed it, spending an average of 12 hours on it. Multiplayer sessions are shorter but more frequent, with 78% of users reporting they’d play again. The mood is described as “intense” and “clever” by 81% of players. One review called it “chess with a poker face,” while another criticized the AI for being “predictably stubborn.” Achievements include 45 total, with an average completion rate of 50% and the top 1% earning the “Unmasking Emperor” trophy. 42% of players own both solo and multiplayer versions.
PlayPile's Take
Bonaparte’s Bluff is a solid pick for fans of tactical depth and social deduction. At $19.99, it’s priced for casual strategy enthusiasts, though the steep learning curve might alienate newcomers. The 45 achievements and 10-hour solo campaign offer decent replay value, but multiplayer is where it truly shines. If you enjoy games that punish overconfidence and reward patience, this one’s worth the investment. Just don’t expect it to replace your go-to board game nights, its niche appeal is undeniable.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
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