Hearthrob for August 2002 Illuminati by Steve Jackson The Game of Conspiracy

Although this is not a new game but more of a classic, I've decided to talk to you about "Illuminati", a game by Steve Jackson.

This game was inspired by the conspiray theories as depicted in Robert Anton WilsonRobert Anton Wilson's famous cult novel "Illuminatus!".

Each player takes on the role of an Illuminati group. Their goal: world domination. Here a a few examples of Illuminati groups:

To win, one must take control of a number of groups determined by the number of players (ex: you need to control 12 groups to win when playing with four people). Each Illuminati also has a special goal that offers a secod way to achieve ictory. For example, the "Servants of Chtulhu" (first card on the left, above), win if they destroy 8 groups. The "Gnomes of Zurich" win if they accumulate 150 Mega Bucks in their Power Structure (the groups they control).

The players fight against each other for control of the groups that turn up during the game.

Here are examples of groups within a Power Structure as they might appear during a game. (Usually, the arrows on the cards are supposed to match, but to keep things simple, they don't in this example).




The Servants of Cthulhu directly control the Tobacco and Liquor Companies and the International Cocaine Smugglers, who in turn control Hollywood and the Punk Rocker...



The Gnomes of Zurich control the Mafia, who controls the C.I.A, who controls the United Nations...



The Discordians control the Science Fiction Fans who control the Fast Food Chains...


Negociation, blakmail, bluff and intimidation play an important part in this game. It is highly encouraged to cheat and strike the lowest blows possible against your enemies by lying, betraying and backstabing as much as possible. Although it is possible to play the game with three players, it will only reveal its true potential and shine in all its vicious glory when 4 to 6 people play it. While not an extremely complicated game, it is not simple either and I recommend it mostly to experienced gamers who are not afraid of a 16 page instruction manual.