Days of Ire: Budapest 1956
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.8 / 5
- Year
- 2016
About the game
Days of Ire: Budapest 1956 is a historically inspired card-driven game recreating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution over seven tense days. One player commands the Soviet-backed State Protection Authority, playing headline cards to shape events and crush the uprising, while up to three cooperative players lead the revolutionary forces, gathering resources and fighters to spread the revolt across Budapest. The card-driven tempo echoes acclaimed titles like Twilight Struggle, while the team-based cooperative side draws inspiration from Pandemic. It plays in about 90 minutes and includes a solo mode.
Hobbli's Notes
We admire how Days of Ire blends the tension of card-driven wargames with an accessible cooperative structure, making the CDG genre less intimidating for newer players. The historical framing of the 1956 revolution adds real emotional weight, especially given its poignant real-world outcome. Asymmetric roles keep both sides engaged with very different puzzles to solve. A compelling pick for history-minded gamers who want a manageable entry into card-driven wargaming.
What we like
- Accessible entry point into card-driven wargames.
- Strong historical theme with genuine emotional resonance.
- Asymmetric cooperative-versus-solo design creates varied puzzles.
- Includes a solo mode for the revolutionary side.
Keep in mind
- Requires understanding both CDG and cooperative mechanics.
- Solo/Soviet player can dominate the game's pacing.
- Niche historical topic may not appeal to all groups.
Who it's for
Suited for ages 13+ gamers interested in historical, card-driven, and cooperative wargames; supports 1-4 players including solo play.
