The Inside Scoop on Gaming

Credo, a sort of Nuclear War for Christian doctrine, has several interesting slogans on it that made me buy it. "The game of dueling dogmas." "Religion as you've never seen it!" "Convert the Heathen! Exile Opponents! Patronize, Persecute, and Pr oselytize! Historically Accurate!" I felt dropped back to the wonder days of advertising- and boy, did it work. I bought it.

Here's the skinny- Players represent different factions of the early Christian church, starting around 325 AD. Each church (sorry, player) has its own credo, its own particular interpretation of doctrine. Ever hear of the Nicene Council? These guys sat down to work out the details of doctrine to be followed for the next few millenia. Players try to have their versions ring true. Stay with me, here.

You have three basic kinds of cards in this game: Flock, representing followers; Articles, representing different theological standpoints; and Events, any sort of happening that can occur- anything from Civil War to Exile, Convert to Proselytize, to my personal favorite, "Unknown assailants attack the Patriarch of Rome and gouge out his eyes and cut out his tongue. He sits out for one turn, then has his eyes and tongue restored by a miracle." Did I mention that this was tongue in cheek? I don't know of another game where you get to roll on the Persecute and Refute tables, trying to off the other players' Bishops and Flock.

During play, the different churches vote on the next Article in the Credo. Debates (read: bribery and threats) can run on for so me time, and become quite lively. Your Church expands or suffers if your doctrines don't get accepted, so Exile the other Bishops, call in your spare votes and favors, Refute those who disagree with you, teach them to accept y! our doctrines, and pray you win.

This game even comes with a handy booklet of historical background, proving itself a true Chaosium product.

The one fault with this game is its cards- sadly, the basis for play. They are very cheaply made and don't make for easy sort before play. This game desperately wants a reprint, at least. I've never gotten into the CCG market, but this game would shine as a trading card game.

"I'll trade you two million flock for your Overthrow Emperor!"

"Only if you vote for my doctrine next turn!"

"Deal!"

Style: 2 (Needs Work)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Credo!
Author: C. V. Gidlow Category: Game Company/Publisher: Chaosium Cost: 14.95 Page count: n/a ISBN: 1-56882-008-9 Playtest Review by Mischa Krilov on 10/01/97. Genre tags: none	Credo, a sort of Nuclear War for Christian doctrine, has several interesting slogans on it that made me buy it. "The game of dueling dogmas." "Religion as you've never seen it!" "Convert the Heathen! Exile Opponents! Patronize, Persecute, and Pr oselytize! Historically Accurate!" I felt dropped back to the wonder days of advertising- and boy, did it work. I bought it. Here's the skinny- Players represent different factions of the early Christian church, starting around 325 AD. Each church (sorry, player) has its own credo, its own particular interpretation of doctrine. Ever hear of the Nicene Council? These guys sat down to work out the details of doctrine to be followed for the next few millenia. Players try to have their versions ring true. Stay with me, here. You have three basic kinds of cards in this game: Flock, representing followers; Articles, representing different theological standpoints; and Events, any sort of happening that can occur- anything from Civil War to Exile, Convert to Proselytize, to my personal favorite, "Unknown assailants attack the Patriarch of Rome and gouge out his eyes and cut out his tongue. He sits out for one turn, then has his eyes and tongue restored by a miracle." Did I mention that this was tongue in cheek? I don't know of another game where you get to roll on the Persecute and Refute tables, trying to off the other players' Bishops and Flock. During play, the different churches vote on the next Article in the Credo. Debates (read: bribery and threats) can run on for so me time, and become quite lively. Your Church expands or suffers if your doctrines don't get accepted, so Exile the other Bishops, call in your spare votes and favors, Refute those who disagree with you, teach them to accept y! our doctrines, and pray you win. This game even comes with a handy booklet of historical background, proving itself a true Chaosium product. The one fault with this game is its cards- sadly, the basis for play. They are very cheaply made and don't make for easy sort before play. This game desperately wants a reprint, at least. I've never gotten into the CCG market, but this game would shine as a trading card game. "I'll trade you two million flock for your Overthrow Emperor!" "Only if you vote for my doctrine next turn!" "Deal!" Style: 2 (Needs Work) Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Credo!